Final answer:
In the reaction 2H2O2 -> 2H2O + O2, the products are water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). Balancing the equation ensures there are equal numbers of atoms for each element on both sides, resulting in the balanced equation 2H2O2(aq) -> O2(g) + 2H2O(l).
Step-by-step explanation:
In the chemical reaction 2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2, the products are water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). The reactant is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). When balancing the chemical equation, it is evident that the number of atoms of each element has to be equal on both sides of the equation. Initially, there are four oxygen atoms in the reactants (2 molecules of H2O2) and we need to make sure there are four oxygen atoms in the products as well. By placing a coefficient of '2' in front of H2O, we achieve a balanced equation with four hydrogen and four oxygen atoms on both sides, resulting in the formulation 2H2O2(aq) → O2(g) + 2H2O(l).