Final answer:
The reaction given is a decomposition reaction, as mercury(II) oxide breaks down into mercury and oxygen. Products formed include liquid mercury and oxygen gas. The equation for the decomposition of mercury(II) oxide is balanced, while the other given equations need to be evaluated individually for balance. Option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction 2HgO(s) → 2Hg(l) + O₂(g) is classified as a decomposition reaction. This is because a single substance, mercury(II) oxide (HgO), is breaking down into multiple substances, which are mercury (Hg) and oxygen gas (O₂). In this case, mercury (Hg) is in liquid form and oxygen gas (O₂) is the gaseous product formed during this reaction.
As for whether the chemical equations provided are balanced:
b. C₂H₂(g) + 2O₂(g) → 2 CO₂(g) + 2 H₂O(g) - This equation is balanced with equal numbers of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms on both sides.
c. Mg(NO₃)2 (s) + 2 Li(s) → Mg(s) + 2 LiNO₃(s) - This equation is also balanced with regard to magnesium, nitrogen, lithium, and oxygen atoms.
The decomposition reaction involving mercury(II) oxide exemplifies a type of redox reaction where a compound breaks down into its elemental parts.
So Option b,