Question

1. two equations below look like they are balanced, and they are, but the coefficients are wrong nevertheless. in one sentence explain why the coefficients are wrong (according to what you learned in this course) and rewrite both equations so that the coefficients are correct.

a) 2 mg(oh)₂(s) + 4 hcl(aq) → 2 mgcl₂(aq) + 4 h₂o(l) (1.5 points)
b) c₃h₆(g) + 4.5 o₂(g) → 3 co₂(g) + 3 h₂o(g) (1.5 points)

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the issue with a

Coefficients should be simplest ratio.

Step2: Simplify coefficients of a

Divide all coefficients by 2. The correct equation is $Mg(OH)_2(s)+2HCl(aq)
ightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + 2H_2O(l)$

Step3: Identify the issue with b

Coefficients should be whole - numbers.

Step4: Multiply coefficients of b by 2

The correct equation is $2C_3H_6(g)+9O_2(g)
ightarrow6CO_2(g)+6H_2O(g)$

Answer:

a) The coefficients are not in the simplest ratio. Correct equation: $Mg(OH)_2(s)+2HCl(aq)
ightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + 2H_2O(l)$
b) Coefficients should be whole - numbers. Correct equation: $2C_3H_6(g)+9O_2(g)
ightarrow6CO_2(g)+6H_2O(g)$