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What is the coefficient of NaHCO₃ in the balanced equation below?
NaHCO₃ → ? Na₂CO₃+ ? H₂O+ CO₂
A) 0
B) 1
E) 2
D) 3
E) 4



Answer :

zarahaider4211

Answer:

E) 2

Explanation:

Balancing Chemical Equations

To balance a chemical equation we take in account of the number of atoms of each element from the reactant and product side.

Then, we balance out (in order)

  1. the metals
  2. the nonmetals (excluding hydrogen and oxygen)
  3. hydrogen and oxygen.

By adding a coefficient the number of atoms of an element is multiplied by the coefficient's value.

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Solving the Problem

We're told to find the coefficient of the reactant NaHCO₃ in the equation

                            NaHCO₃ → ? Na₂CO₃+ ? H₂O+ CO₂.

To do so, we must balance the equation. Creating a t-chart of the number of atoms of each element we have:

                  Reactant                          |                       Product

                  Na: 1                                 |                        Na:2

                  H: 1                                   |                         H:2

                  C: 1                                   |                         C:2

                  O:3                                   |                         O:6

To balance the sodium (metal) we must place a coefficient of 2 next to the reactant, which is our answer.

Let's calculate the number of atoms in each side after the coefficient to verify.

                   Reactant                          |                       Product

                  Na: 2                                 |                        Na:2

                  H: 2                                   |                         H:2

                  C: 2                                   |                         C:2

                   O:6                                   |                         O:6

The atoms of each element is the same on both sides, thus it is balanced.

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