Question

Balance the following chemical equation (if necessary): ZnS(s) + AIP (s) → Al₂S₃(s) + Zn₃P₂(s)

Answer 1

To balance the equation ZnS(s) + AIP(s) → Al2S3(s) + Zn3P2(s), it's necessary to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides. The balanced equation is 3ZnS(s) + 2AlP(s) → Al2S3(s) + Zn3P2(s), with the elements aluminum, zinc, sulfur, and phosphorus equal on both sides.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the given chemical equation, ZnS(s) + AIP(s) → Al2S3(s) + Zn3P2(s), we need to ensure that the same number of atoms of each element is present on both sides of the reaction.

First, let's balance the aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) atoms. Since there are 2 Al atoms in Al2S3 and 3 Zn atoms in Zn3P2, we'll need to multiply ZnS by 3 and AIP (which should be AlP for aluminium phosphide) by 2:

3ZnS(s) + 2AlP(s) → Al2S3(s) + Zn3P2(s)

Checking the sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) atoms, we can see that they are now balanced as well. There are 3 S atoms on both sides and 2 P atoms on both sides. With equal numbers of each atom on both sides, the equation is balanced.