Question

What is the sum of the coefficients of the following equation when it is balanced using smallest whole numbers?

NaNH₂ + NaNO₃ → NaN₃ + NaOH + NH₃

a) 8
b) 10
c) 12

Answer 1

The sum of the coefficients in a balanced chemical equation represents the total number of moles of each substance involved in the reaction. The balanced equation for NaNH₂ + NaNO₃ → NaN₃ + NaOH + NH₃ is 2NaNH₂ + 2NaNO₃ → NaN₃ + 2NaOH + 3NH₃. The sum of the coefficients in the balanced equation is 10.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sum of the coefficients in a balanced chemical equation represents the total number of moles of each substance involved in the reaction. To balance the given equation, NaNH₂ + NaNO₃ → NaN₃ + NaOH + NH₃, we need to determine the smallest whole numbers that will balance the equation. The balanced equation is:

2NaNH₂ + 2NaNO₃ → NaN₃ + 2NaOH + 3NH₃

The sum of the coefficients is 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 10.

Therefore, the sum of the coefficients in the balanced equation is 10.