Balance the entire chemical reaction using an atom inventory. Remember to balance each element in the reaction.
[tex]Mg(OH)_2+HCl \rightarrow MgCl_2+H_2 O[/tex]
When the reaction is balanced, what is the coefficient for water, [tex]H _2 O[/tex]?
Answer (1)
Balance Mg: M g ( O H ) 2 + H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + H 2 O (Mg is balanced).
Balance O: M g ( O H ) 2 + H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + 2 H 2 O (multiply H 2 O by 2).
Balance H: M g ( O H ) 2 + 2 H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + 2 H 2 O (multiply H Cl by 2).
Balanced equation: M g ( O H ) 2 + 2 H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + 2 H 2 O , so the coefficient for H 2 O is 2 .
Explanation
Analyzing the Problem We are given the unbalanced chemical reaction: M g ( O H ) 2 + H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + H 2 O . Our goal is to balance this equation and determine the coefficient of water ( H 2 O ) in the balanced equation.
Balancing Magnesium First, let's balance the magnesium (Mg) atoms. There is one Mg atom on both sides of the equation, so magnesium is already balanced.
Balancing Oxygen Next, let's balance the oxygen (O) atoms. There are two O atoms on the left side (in M g ( O H ) 2 ) and one O atom on the right side (in H 2 O ). To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to multiply the water molecule by 2: M g ( O H ) 2 + H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + 2 H 2 O .
Balancing Hydrogen Now, let's balance the hydrogen (H) atoms. On the left side, we have two H atoms from M g ( O H ) 2 and one H atom from H Cl , totaling three H atoms. On the right side, we have four H atoms (in 2 H 2 O ). To balance the hydrogen atoms, we need to multiply H Cl by 2: M g ( O H ) 2 + 2 H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + 2 H 2 O . Now we have a total of 4 H atoms on the left (2 from M g ( O H ) 2 and 2 from 2 H Cl ) and 4 H atoms on the right (from 2 H 2 O ).
Balancing Chlorine Finally, let's balance the chlorine (Cl) atoms. On the left side, we have two Cl atoms (in 2 H Cl ). On the right side, we have two Cl atoms (in M g C l 2 ). Thus, chlorine is already balanced.
Final Answer The balanced chemical equation is: M g ( O H ) 2 + 2 H Cl i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g C l 2 + 2 H 2 O . The coefficient for water ( H 2 O ) in the balanced equation is 2.
Examples
Balancing chemical equations is essential in various real-life applications, such as in medicine when preparing drugs, in environmental science when analyzing pollutants, and in cooking when following recipes. For instance, when preparing a medication, it's crucial to have the correct proportions of each ingredient to ensure the drug's effectiveness and safety. Similarly, in environmental science, balancing chemical equations helps scientists understand the stoichiometry of reactions involving pollutants, allowing them to develop effective strategies for remediation. Even in cooking, following a balanced recipe ensures that the flavors and textures of the dish are optimal. In each of these scenarios, understanding and applying the principles of balancing chemical equations is paramount for achieving the desired outcome.
