Question

balance the chemical equation below, then use the objects in the answer key to correctly display the balanced equation.
? ni₂o₃ → ? ni + ? o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the chemical formula

For the compound \(Ni_2O_3\), there are 2 \(Ni\) atoms and 3 \(O\) atoms.

Step2: Apply the law of conservation of mass

In a chemical reaction, the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side must be equal to the number on the product side.
For \(Ni\):
Let the coefficient of \(Ni_2O_3\) be \(a\), of \(Ni\) be \(b\). From \(Ni\) atoms: \(2a = b\)
For \(O\):
Let the coefficient of \(Ni_2O_3\) be \(a\), of \(O_2\) be \(c\). From \(O\) atoms: \(3a=2c\)
Let \(a = 2\), then \(b=4\) (since \(2\times2 = 4\)) and \(c = 3\) (since \(3\times2\div2=3\))

Answer:

\(2Ni_2O_3
ightarrow4Ni + 3O_2\)