select the correct answer. which of the following is a correctly balanced equation? a. naclo3 → nacl + 3o2…
select the correct answer. which of the following is a correctly balanced equation? a. naclo3 → nacl + 3o2 b. 2hgo → 2hg + o2 c. 2zns + o2 → 2zno + 2so2 d. 4co + fe3o4 → 4co2 + fe e. 2fe + 2cl2 → 2fecl3
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Check option A
On the left - hand side, there is 1 oxygen in $NaClO_3$, while on the right - hand side, there are 6 oxygen in $3O_2$. The oxygen atoms are not balanced.
Step2: Check option B
For $2HgO\rightarrow2Hg + O_2$, on the left - hand side, there are 2 mercury ($Hg$) and 2 oxygen ($O$) atoms. On the right - hand side, there are 2 mercury and 2 oxygen atoms. It is balanced.
Step3: Check option C
On the left - hand side, there are 2 sulfur ($S$) atoms in $2ZnS$, but on the right - hand side, there are 4 sulfur atoms in $2ZnO+2SO_2$. The sulfur atoms are not balanced.
Step4: Check option D
On the left - hand side, there are 3 iron ($Fe$) atoms in $Fe_3O_4$, while on the right - hand side, there is 1 iron atom in $Fe$. The iron atoms are not balanced.
Step5: Check option E
On the left - hand side, there are 4 chlorine ($Cl$) atoms in $2Cl_2$, and on the right - hand side, there are 6 chlorine atoms in $2FeCl_3$. The chlorine atoms are not balanced.
Answer:
B. $2HgO\rightarrow2Hg + O_2$