Question

Kclo3 --> kcl o2 what are the coefficients to balance the above reaction?

Answer 1

To balance the decomposition reaction of Potassium chlorate, the correct coefficients must be added: 2 KClO₃ → 2 KCl + 3 O₂. This ensures there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation given is the decomposition reaction of Potassium chlorate (KClO₃) into Potassium chloride (KCl) and Oxygen (O₂). This reaction requires careful balancing of chemical equations to adhere to the law of conservation of mass. The balanced chemical equation is:

1. Write down the unbalanced equation: KClO₃ → KCl + O₂
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products.
3. Balance the number of K atoms first: 1 K on both sides.
4. Balance the Cl atoms next: 1 Cl on both sides.
5. Balance the O atoms: There are 3 O atoms from KClO₃ and 2 O atoms from O₂, implying a total of 2 (from O₂) must evenly divide into the total O atoms from KClO₃, which can be achieved by multiplying KClO₃ by 2 and O₂ by 3 to get an even number of oxygen atoms.
6. Balance the equation: 2 KClO₃ → 2 KCl + 3 O₂.