Question

in the equation 2h₂ + 1o₂ → 2h₂o if you change the 2h₂ to 3h₂ molecules and balance the equation, identify which statement is correct? (1 point) each oxygen molecule will combine with 2 hydrogen molecules with no leftover molecules. it is not possible to produce water without leftover molecules. the result of the equation will be the same. the equation will produce three molecules of water.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the original equation

The original balanced equation is $2H_2 + O_2
ightarrow2H_2O$, which means 2 hydrogen - molecule react with 1 oxygen - molecule to form 2 water - molecules.

Step2: Consider the new number of hydrogen molecules

When we change $2H_2$ to $3H_2$, for the reaction to occur, since 2 hydrogen - molecules react with 1 oxygen - molecule, 3 hydrogen - molecules will react with 1.5 oxygen - molecules. But we deal with whole - number of molecules in this context. In terms of whole - number reactions, 3 hydrogen - molecules will react with 1 oxygen - molecule (using up 2 hydrogen - molecules) and leave 1 hydrogen - molecule unreacted. After the reaction of 2 hydrogen - molecules with 1 oxygen - molecule, 2 water - molecules are formed and 1 hydrogen - molecule is leftover.

Step3: Evaluate each statement

• Each oxygen molecule will combine with 2 hydrogen molecules with no leftover molecules: In the new situation with 3 hydrogen molecules and 1 oxygen molecule, this is not true as there will be a leftover hydrogen molecule.
• It is not possible to produce water without leftover molecules: True, when we have 3 hydrogen molecules and 1 oxygen molecule, after the reaction of 2 hydrogen molecules with 1 oxygen molecule to form 2 water molecules, 1 hydrogen molecule is left over.
• The result of the equation will be the same: Changing the number of hydrogen molecules changes the reaction outcome in terms of leftover reactants, so this is false.
• The equation will produce three molecules of water: With 3 hydrogen molecules and 1 oxygen molecule, only 2 water molecules can be formed as 1 oxygen molecule can react with 2 hydrogen molecules, so this is false.

Answer:

It is not possible to produce water without leftover molecules.