Question

question 9 of 20
which of the following sets of coefficients will balance the reaction below? (5 points)
extra content
_ h₂o → _ h₂ + ___ o₂
a. 2/2/1
b. 1/2/2
c. 4/4/1
d. 3/2/1

Explanation:

Step1: Write the unbalanced equation

The unbalanced equation is \(H_2O_2
ightarrow H_2O + O_2\).

Step2: Balance the hydrogen atoms

First, balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 2 hydrogen atoms on both sides of the equation (from \(H_2O_2\) and \(H_2O\)), so hydrogen is already balanced.

Step3: Balance the oxygen atoms

Let the coefficients be \(aH_2O_2 = bH_2O + cO_2\).
For oxygen atoms: \(2a=b + 2c\).
For hydrogen atoms: \(2a = 2b\), so \(a = b\).
Substitute \(a = b\) into the oxygen - atom equation: \(2a=a + 2c\), then \(a=2c\).
Let \(c = 1\), then \(a = 2\) and \(b = 2\).
The balanced equation is \(2H_2O_2=2H_2O + O_2\).

Answer:

A. \(2,2,1\)