Question

what is the missing coefficient in the following chemical equation?
2h₂(g) + o₂(g) → ______h₂o(l)
○1
○2
○4
○6
○8

Explanation:

Step1: Balance Hydrogen atoms

On the left side, we have \(2 \times 2 = 4\) hydrogen atoms (from \(2H_2\)). On the right side, each \(H_2O\) has 2 hydrogen atoms. Let the coefficient of \(H_2O\) be \(x\). So, \(2x = 4\), which gives \(x = 2\) (checking hydrogen balance).

Step2: Balance Oxygen atoms

On the left side, we have 2 oxygen atoms (from \(O_2\)). On the right side, with \(x = 2\), each \(H_2O\) has 1 oxygen atom, so \(2 \times 1 = 2\) oxygen atoms, which balances the oxygen.

Answer:

2 (So the coefficient is 2, corresponding to the option "2")