_mg(OH)†? + _H2SO4._mgSO4 + _H2O
To balance this chemical equation, you need to determine the coefficients (numbers in front of each compound or element) that make the number of each type of atom equal on both sides of the equation.
Let's start by balancing the magnesium atoms. There is one magnesium atom on the left side, so we need one magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on the right side.
Next, let's balance the hydrogen atoms. There are two hydrogen atoms in the hydroxide ion (OH-) and two hydrogen atoms in sulfuric acid (H2SO4), so we have a total of four hydrogen atoms on the left side. Therefore, we need four water (H2O) molecules on the right side, as each water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms.
Now, let's balance the sulfur atoms. There is one sulfur atom in sulfuric acid (H2SO4), so we need one magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on the right side.
Finally, let's balance the oxygen atoms. There are two oxygen atoms in the hydroxide ion (OH-) and four oxygen atoms in sulfuric acid (H2SO4), so we have a total of six oxygen atoms on the left side. Therefore, we need three water (H2O) molecules on the right side, as each water molecule contains two oxygen atoms.
The balanced chemical equation is:
Mg(OH)2 + H2SO4 → MgSO4 + 3H2O