Question

Fill in the blank with the correct number to balance the equation:_____KClO₃ → 2 KCl + 3 O₂.

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

Answer 1

To balance the equation ______KClO₃ → 2 KCl + 3 O₂, the correct number to fill in the blank is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the equation _____KClO₃ → 2 KCl + 3 O₂, we must ensure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the arrow.

Starting with potassium (K), there are already 2 K atoms on the right side, so we need 2 K atoms on the left side. Therefore, the coefficient for KClO₃ is 2.

Next, from chlorine (Cl), there is 1 Cl atom on the left side and 2 Cl atoms on the right side. To balance it, the coefficient for KCl should be 2.

Finally, for oxygen (O), there are 3 O atoms on the right side. Since each KClO₃ molecule contributes 3 O atoms, the coefficient for KClO₃ is 1.

Therefore, the correct number to balance the equation is a) 1.