Question

Why is the reaction SO2 + H2O → H2SO2 not balanced?

Answer 1

The reaction SO2 + H2O → H2SO2 is not balanced because the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is unequal. To balance the equation, the coefficients in front of the molecules or compounds need to be adjusted.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given reaction, SO2 + H2O → H2SO2, the equation is not balanced because the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is unequal. On the reactant side, there is 1 S atom and 2 O atoms, while on the product side, there is 2 H atoms, 1 S atom, and 2 O atoms. To balance the equation, we need to adjust the coefficients in front of the molecules or compounds.

The balanced equation for the reaction is:

SO2 + 2H2O → H2SO4

Answer 2

There are more oxygen atoms in the reactants while there are less oxygen atoms in the product.

Both sides of the equation is supposed to be balanced for a balanced equation. If any one of them isn't balanced, the equation remains unbalanced.

The main reason why the reaction above can not be balanced is:

This chemical reaction SO2 + H2O -> H2SO2 is not correctly written.

It must be: SO2 + H2O -> H2SO3

hope this helps....