The balanced equation is:4 Al2(SO4)3 + 2 Al2O3 -> 2 Al12S18O + 8 Al
Therefore, after the reaction, the number of aluminum atoms has increased by 2, the number of sulfur atoms has decreased by 12, and the number of oxygen atoms has decreased by 18.
Step 1. Identify the reactants and products:
The reactants are 4 Al2(SO4)3 molecules and 2 Al2O3 molecules.
The products are 2 Al12S18O molecules.
Step 2. Count the atoms of each element in the reactants and products:
Reactants:
Aluminum (Al): 8 atoms
Sulfur (S): 12 atoms
Oxygen (O): 24 atoms
Products:
Aluminum (Al): 10 atoms
Oxygen (O): 6 atoms
Step 3. Calculate the change in the number of atoms for each element:
Aluminum (Al): +2 atoms
Sulfur (S): -12 atoms
Oxygen (O): -18 atoms
Step 4. Write the balanced equation:
4 Al2(SO4)3 + 2 Al2O3 -> 2 Al12S18O + 8 Al