Final answer:
The balanced equation for the reaction between MgCO3 and HCl is option 3) MgCO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g), which shows equal numbers of atoms for each element on both sides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between MgCO3 (aq) and HCl (aq) is represented by MgCO₃(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g). From the options given, the correct one is:
3) MgCO₃(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g).
This equation is balanced because it has equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Specifically, there is 1 magnesium, 2 hydrogens (those that form water and are part of HCl), 2 chlorines, 1 carbon, and 3 oxygen atoms (2 from CO₂ and 1 from H₂O) on each side of the reaction.