Question

Balance the chemical reaction CO + O2 > CO2

Answer 1

2CO + O2 → 2CO2

Step-by-step explanation:

Odyssey ware

Answer 2

C + O₂ ⟶ CO₂

Step-by-step explanation:

Often, the best way to start is to balance all atoms other than O and H, then balance O, then balance H.

1. Put a 1 in front of the most complicated-looking formula (CO₂):

C + O₂ ⟶ 1CO₂

2. Balance C:

We have fixed 1 C on the right. We need 1 C on the left. Put a 1 in front of C.

1C + O₂ ⟶ 1CO₂

4. Balance O:

We have fixed 2 O on the right. We need 2 O on the left. Put a 1 in front of O₂.

1C + 1O₂ ⟶ 1CO₂

Every formula now has a coefficient. The equation should be balanced.

5. Check that atoms balance:

`\begin{array}{ccc}\textbf{Atom} & \textbf{On the left} & \textbf{On the right}\\\text{C} & 1 &1\\\text{O} & 2 & 2\\\end{array}`

It checks.

The balanced equation is

C + O₂ ⟶ CO₂