Final answer:
The question involves balancing chemical equations, a key concept in high school chemistry. It requires ensuring equal numbers of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Some equations provided are already balanced, while others need adjustment of coefficients to achieve balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is balancing chemical equations, which is a fundamental concept in high school chemistry. To balance a chemical equation, one must ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the reaction.
For example, the balanced form of the equation 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O is already balanced as there are 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.
Let's examine the given chemical equations:
- (a) 2Hg + O₂ → Hg₂O₂ is not balanced because there is an unequal number of oxygen atoms on each side.
- (b) C₂H₄ + 2O₂ → 2CO₂ + 2H₂O is balanced with equal numbers of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on both sides.
- (c) Mg(NO₃)₂ + 2Li → Mg + 2LiNO₃ is balanced as atoms of all the elements are equal on both the reactant and product sides.
- (d) N₂ + O₂ → NO₂ needs to be balanced by adjusting the coefficients to equalize the number of atoms of each element on both sides.
- (e) Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃ is balanced by ensuring there are an equal number of iron and oxygen atoms on both sides.