Question

what is required to balance the following equation? *
h₂ + o₂ → __h₂o
a. 1, 1, 1
b. 1, 2, 2
c. 2, 1, 2
d. 2, 2, 1

Explanation:

Step1: Count hydrogen atoms

On the left - hand side, in $H_2$ and $O_2$, and on the right - hand side in $H_2O$. In $H_2O$, there are 2 hydrogen atoms. In $H_2$, there are 2 hydrogen atoms per molecule and in $O_2$, there are 0 hydrogen atoms.

Step2: Count oxygen atoms

On the left - hand side, $O_2$ has 2 oxygen atoms and $H_2$ has 0 oxygen atoms. On the right - hand side, $H_2O$ has 1 oxygen atom per molecule.

Step3: Balance the equation

To balance the oxygen atoms, we need 2 moles of $H_2O$ since there are 2 oxygen atoms in $O_2$. Then, to balance the hydrogen atoms, we need 2 moles of $H_2$. So the balanced equation is $2H_2+1O_2
ightarrow2H_2O$.

Answer:

C. 2, 1, 2