Question

Balance the following chemical equation:

K + K₂O + B → B₂O₃

Select the correct set of coefficients to balance the equation from the options provided:

A) 6, 1, 2, 2
B) 6, 1, 1, 1
C) None of the above
D) 6, 1, 3, 2

Answer 1

None of the options provided by the student correctly balance the unconventional and chemically infeasible equation K + K₂O + B → B₂O₃. The correct answer is Option C) None of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical equation provided by the student: K + K₂O + B → B₂O₃ is somewhat unconventional as elemental potassium (K) does not typically react with potassium oxide (K₂O). However, assuming that this represents a synthetic reaction designed for the sake of the balancing exercise, we still approach it as we would balance any other chemical equation. Looking at the options provided by the student, none of these coefficients appropriately balance the equation at hand. To balance a chemical equation, we typically start with the most complex substance, balance polyatomic ions as a unit, and adjust coefficients to match the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

However, since the given reaction is not chemically feasible under normal conditions and thus cannot be balanced in its current form, the correct answer to the student's question would be Option C) None of the above.