Question

What are the coefficients for the reaction Cl₂O5 + H₂O → HClO₃ once it is balanced?

A:1, 1, 1
B:1, 1, 2
C:1, 2, 2
D:2, 1, 1

Answer 1

The balanced coefficients for the reaction Cl₂O₅ + H₂O → HClO₃ are 1 for Cl₂O₅, 1 for H₂O, and 2 for HClO₃, corresponding to option B:1, 1, 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for the coefficients that balance the chemical equation Cl₂O₅ + H₂O → HClO₃. To balance a chemical equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. This requires adjusting the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas.

Let's begin by writing down the equation:
Cl₂O₅ + H₂O → HClO₃

Now we compare the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. On the reactant side, there are 2 chlorine atoms and 5 oxygen atoms in Cl₂O₅, and 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom in H₂O. This totals 2 chlorine atoms, 2 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.

On the product side, each molecule of HClO₃ contains 1 chlorine atom, 1 hydrogen atom, and 3 oxygen atoms. To balance the chlorine and hydrogen atoms, we need only 1 molecule of HClO₃ since there are 2 chlorine atoms and 2 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side. However, to balance the 6 oxygen atoms, we need 2 molecules of HClO₃ since each has 3 oxygen atoms. Thus, the balanced equation is:

Cl₂O₅ + H₂O → 2 HClO₃

The balanced coefficients are 1 for Cl₂O₅, 1 for H₂O, and 2 for HClO₃. Therefore, the correct answer is B:1, 1, 2.