To balance the chemical reaction
[tex]\[ Ag + H_2S \rightarrow Ag_2S + H_2 \][/tex]
we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is done by adjusting the coefficients (the numbers placed before the chemical formulas) appropriately. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve a balanced equation:
1. Write the initial unbalanced equation:
[tex]\[ Ag + H_2S \rightarrow Ag_2S + H_2 \][/tex]
2. Inventory the number of atoms for each element on both sides:
- On the left side:
- Silver (Ag): 1
- Hydrogen (H): 2
- Sulfur (S): 1
- On the right side:
- Silver (Ag): 2
- Hydrogen (H): 2
- Sulfur (S): 1
3. Start by balancing the silver (Ag) atoms:
- There are 2 silver atoms on the right side (Ag_2S) but only 1 atom on the left side. To balance the silver atoms, place a coefficient of 2 in front of Ag on the left side:
[tex]\[ 2Ag + H_2S \rightarrow Ag_2S + H_2 \][/tex]
4. Check the hydrogen (H) and sulfur (S) atoms:
- Hydrogen:
- On the left side: 2 (from H_2S)
- On the right side: 2 (from H_2)
- Sulfur:
- On the left side: 1 (from H_2S)
- On the right side: 1 (from Ag_2S)
Both hydrogen and sulfur are already balanced.
5. Verify the entire equation for balance:
- Silver (Ag):
- Left: 2 (from 2Ag)
- Right: 2 (from Ag_2S)
- Hydrogen (H):
- Left: 2 (from H_2S)
- Right: 2 (from H_2)
- Sulfur (S):
- Left: 1 (from H_2S)
- Right: 1 (from Ag_2S)
All elements are balanced, and the final balanced chemical equation is:
[tex]\[ 2Ag + H_2S \rightarrow Ag_2S + H_2 \][/tex]
Therefore, the coefficient of Ag is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{2} \][/tex]
