Question

What coefficients will balance the following equation: AlBr₃ + K₂SO₄ → KBr + Al₂(SO₄)₃?

a) 2, 3, 2, 1
b) 1, 3, 2, 2
c) 2, 1, 2, 3
d) 2, 3, 1, 2

Answer 1

The balanced coefficients for the equation AlBr₃ + K₂SO₄ → KBr + Al₂(SO₄)₃ are 2, 3, 6, 1, ensuring that each element has the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The coefficients that will balance the chemical equation AlBr₃ + K₂SO₄ → KBr + Al₂(SO₄)₃ are found by ensuring that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation. Starting with aluminum (Al), we need 2 molecules of AlBr₃ to provide the 2 Aluminum atoms needed for Al₂(SO₄)₃. Then for bromine (Br), we see that 6 Br atoms from 2 molecules of AlBr₃ balance with 6 Br atoms from 3 molecules of KBr. Next, to balance sulfur (S), 3 molecules of K₂SO₄ are required to provide the 3 sulfate (SO₄) groups needed in one molecule of Al₂(SO₄)₃. Finally, for potassium (K), we have 6 K from 3 molecules of K₂SO₄, which balance with 6 K from 6 molecules of KBr. So, the balanced coefficients are 2, 3, 6, 1 respectively.