Question

in the reaction 4al+ _ o₂ → 2al₂o₃, what coefficient should be placed in front of the o₂ to balance the reaction? 1 2 3 4

Explanation:

Step1: Count oxygen atoms on the product side

In \(2Al_2O_3\), the number of oxygen atoms is \(2\times3 = 6\).

Step2: Determine the coefficient for \(O_2\)

Let the coefficient of \(O_2\) be \(x\). Since each \(O_2\) molecule has 2 oxygen atoms, and the total number of oxygen atoms on the reactant side should equal that on the product side. We have \(2x=6\), so \(x = 3\).

Answer:

3