Question

Experiments were conducted to study the rate of the reaction represented by this equation: 2NO(g) + 2H₂(g) → N₂(g) + 2H₂O(g).

Which of the following options represents the correct balanced equation for the reaction?

a) NO(g) + H₂(g) → 1/2N₂(g) + H₂O(g)

b) 2NO(g) + 2H₂(g) → N₂(g) + 4H₂O(g)

c) 2NO(g) + 2H₂(g) → 2N₂(g) + 4H₂O(g)

d) NO(g) + 2H₂(g) → 1/2N₂(g) + 2H₂O(g)

Answer 1

The correct balanced equation for the reaction is option (c) 2NO(g) + 2H₂(g) → 2N₂(g) + 4H₂O(g).

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced equation ensures that the same number of atoms of each element are present on both sides of the chemical reaction. Let's analyze option (c) to verify its correctness.

The given reaction is 2NO(g) + 2H₂(g) → N₂(g) + 2H₂O(g). To balance it, we must ensure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides. In option (c), we can see that there are two nitrogen (N) atoms on each side, and the hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms are also balanced. Therefore, option (c) is the correct balanced equation.

This balanced chemical equation indicates that two moles of nitrogen dioxide (NO) react with two moles of hydrogen gas (H₂) to produce two moles of nitrogen gas (N₂) and four moles of water vapor (H₂O).

Understanding balanced chemical equations is crucial in chemistry as it allows scientists to interpret the stoichiometry of reactions, ensuring conservation of mass and atoms.