Question

Write the balanced chemical equation for the decompostion of coppper(ii) carbonate hydroxide

Answer 1

The decomposition of copper(II) carbonate hydroxide results in copper(II) oxide, water, and carbon dioxide. The balanced chemical equation is: 2 CuCO3•Cu(OH)2 (s) → 3 CuO (s) + 2 CO2 (g) + 2 H2O (l).

Step-by-step explanation:

To write the balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of copper(II) carbonate hydroxide (CuCO3•Cu(OH)2), we need to recognize that upon heating, it decomposes into copper(II) oxide (CuO), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The decomposition of a metal carbonate typically produces these products.

The unbalanced equation is:

CuCO3•Cu(OH)2 (s) → CuO (s) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

To balance the equation, ensure there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation:

1. There are two Cu atoms on the left, so we need two CuO on the right.
2. One CO2 molecule is produced per CuCO3 unit.
3. Water is produced from the OH groups present, totaling two molecules.

The balanced equation is:

2 CuCO3•Cu(OH)2 (s) → 3 CuO (s) + 2 CO2 (g) + 2 H2O (l)