Final answer:
The mole coefficient for N₂ in the balanced reaction N₂(g) + O₂(g) → N₂O(g) is 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mole coefficient for N₂ when balancing the reaction N₂(g) + O₂(g) → N₂O(g) is 1. The balanced equation must reflect the conservation of mass, meaning the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. Since the molecule of N₂O contains two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, the correct balancing would require one mole of N₂ and half a mole of O₂ to produce one mole of N₂O, which is not possible as a balanced equation with whole number coefficients. However, if we were to multiply through by two to avoid the fractional coefficient, we would get:
2 N₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2 N₂O(g)
Thus, the correct answer is that the mole coefficient for N₂ is 2. Although the question refers to the reaction N₂(g) + O₂(g) → N₂O(g), examples and thermodynamic data concern the formation of NO, not N₂O. However, the provided example reactions such as N₂(g) + 3 H₂(g) → 2 NH₃(g) demonstrate the concept of mole ratios and coefficients in balanced chemical equations.