To balance the chemical equation [tex]\( ZnSO_4 + Li_2CO_3 \rightarrow ZnCO_3 + Li_2SO_4 \)[/tex] properly, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side (left side) is equal to the number of atoms of each element on the product side (right side). Here’s how we do that step-by-step:
1. Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants:
- Zinc (Zn): There is 1 Zn atom from [tex]\( ZnSO_4 \)[/tex].
- Sulfur (S): There is 1 S atom from [tex]\( ZnSO_4 \)[/tex].
- Oxygen (O): There are 4 O atoms from [tex]\( ZnSO_4 \)[/tex] and 3 O atoms from [tex]\( Li_2CO_3 \)[/tex], giving a total of 7 O atoms.
- Lithium (Li): There are 2 Li atoms from [tex]\( Li_2CO_3 \)[/tex].
- Carbon (C): There is 1 C atom from [tex]\( Li_2CO_3 \)[/tex].
2. Identify the number of atoms of each element in the products:
- Zinc (Zn): There is 1 Zn atom from [tex]\( ZnCO_3 \)[/tex].
- Sulfur (S): There is 1 S atom from [tex]\( Li_2SO_4 \)[/tex].
- Oxygen (O): There are 3 O atoms from [tex]\( ZnCO_3 \)[/tex] and 4 O atoms from [tex]\( Li_2SO_4 \)[/tex], giving a total of 7 O atoms.
- Lithium (Li): There are 2 Li atoms from [tex]\( Li_2SO_4 \)[/tex].
- Carbon (C): There is 1 C atom from [tex]\( ZnCO_3 \)[/tex].
3. Compare the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:
- Zinc (Zn): Reactants 1, Products 1 (Balanced)
- Sulfur (S): Reactants 1, Products 1 (Balanced)
- Oxygen (O): Reactants 7, Products 7 (Balanced)
- Lithium (Li): Reactants 2, Products 2 (Balanced)
- Carbon (C): Reactants 1, Products 1 (Balanced)
Since the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, it means the equation is already balanced as written. Thus, no additional coefficients are needed for any of the reactants or products.
Hence, the most accurate statement is:
- Atoms in the equation are already in balance.
