Question

balance the following chemical equations: li + o2 → li2o

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on both sides

On the left - hand side (LHS): \(Li\) has \(1\) atom and \(O\) has \(2\) atoms. On the right - hand side (RHS): \(Li\) has \(2\) atoms and \(O\) has \(1\) atom.

Step2: Balance oxygen atoms first

To balance the oxygen atoms, we can put a coefficient of \(2\) in front of \(Li_2O\). The equation becomes \(Li+O_2 - 2Li_2O\). Now, on the RHS, \(Li\) has \(4\) atoms (\(2\times2\)) and \(O\) has \(2\) atoms (\(2\times1\)).

Step3: Balance lithium atoms

To balance the lithium atoms, we put a coefficient of \(4\) in front of \(Li\). The balanced equation is \(4Li + O_2=2Li_2O\).

Answer:

\(4Li + O_2 = 2Li_2O\)