Final answer:
The provided chemical equations are examined for balance. Equations a and b are balanced, with the correct number of each type of atom on both sides. Equation c is unbalanced due to the discrepancy in the number of nitrate groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is Each Chemical Equation Balanced?
When assessing if a chemical equation is balanced, we must ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the reaction equation. Let's evaluate the given chemical equations:
- a. 2Hg(l) + O2(g) → Hg2O2(s): This equation is balanced as there are 2 mercury atoms on both sides and 2 oxygen atoms on both sides of the reaction.
- b. C2H4(g) + 2O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 2H2O(l): This equation is also balanced. We have 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms on each side of the equation.
- c. Mg(NO3)2(s) + 2Li(s) → Mg(s) + 2LiNO3(s): This equation is unbalanced. The left side has 2 nitrate groups (NO3), but the right side has twice that amount due to the 2LiNO3(s), making it a total of 4 nitrates. To balance it, we would need another Mg(NO3)2 on the left side.
Thus, the answers are a) Yes, b) Yes, c) No.