Question

a chemical equation is shown below. al + o₂ → al₂o₃ which is the correct way to balance this equation? a. 2al + o₂ → al₂o₃ b. 2al + 3o₂ → al₂o₃ c. 4al + 3o₂ → al₂o₃ d. 4al + 3o₂ → 2al₂o₃

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on both sides

On the left - hand side: 1 Al and 2 O. On the right - hand side: 2 Al and 3 O.

Step2: Balance oxygen atoms

To balance oxygen, we need to make the number of oxygen atoms the same on both sides. The least common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6. So we put a 3 in front of $O_2$ and a 2 in front of $Al_2O_3$.

Step3: Balance aluminum atoms

After balancing oxygen, we have 4 aluminum atoms on the right - hand side. So we put a 4 in front of Al on the left - hand side. The balanced equation is $4Al + 3O_2
ightarrow2Al_2O_3$.

Answer:

D. $4Al + 3O_2
ightarrow2Al_2O_3$