Question

draw the molecules. write the balanced equation at the bottom
$ce{h_{2}o -> h_{2} + o_{2}}$

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on each side

Reactant: $2$ H, $1$ O; Products: $2$ H, $2$ O

Step2: Balance oxygen atoms

Multiply $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ by 2: $2\text{H}_2\text{O}
ightarrow \text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2$
Now reactant: $4$ H, $2$ O; Products: $2$ H, $2$ O

Step3: Balance hydrogen atoms

Multiply $\text{H}_2$ by 2: $2\text{H}_2\text{O}
ightarrow 2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2$
Now all atoms are balanced: $4$ H, $2$ O on both sides.

Answer:

Balanced equation: $2\text{H}_2\text{O}
ightarrow 2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2$

(For molecule drawings:

• $\text{H}_2\text{O}$: An oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms in a bent shape ($\text{H}-\text{O}-\text{H}$ with a 104.5° angle)
• $\text{H}_2$: Two hydrogen atoms bonded together ($\text{H}-\text{H}$)
• $\text{O}_2$: Two oxygen atoms bonded together ($\text{O}=\text{O}$))