Question

the reaction of sodium hydrogen carbonate and acetic acid is described above. using the equation below, identify the proper coefficients for the balanced equation that upholds the law of conservation of mass:
nahco₃ + hc₂h₃o₂ -> nac₂h₃o₂ + h₂o + __ co₂
options: 1,1,1,1,1; 3,1,3,1,1; 2,2,2,2,1; 1,2,2,1,1

Explanation:

Step1: List atoms per side (unbalanced)

Reactants: Na:1, H:5, C:3, O:5; Products: Na:1, H:5, C:3, O:5

Step2: Compare atom counts

All atoms are equal on both sides.

Step3: Assign coefficients

Assign 1 to each compound: $\text{NaHCO}_3 + \text{HC}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2
ightarrow \text{NaC}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2$

Answer:

1, 1, 1, 1, 1