When the following equation is balanced, what is the coefficient for Ta?
H2 + Ta2O3 → Ta + H2O
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To balance the given chemical equation:
H2 + Ta2O3 → Ta + H2O
We need to make sure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Let's start with the hydrogen (H) atoms. On the left side, we have 2 hydrogen atoms (H2), and on the right side, we have 2 hydrogen atoms (H2O). The hydrogen atoms are already balanced.
Next, let's focus on the oxygen (O) atoms. On the left side, we have 3 oxygen atoms (Ta2O3), and on the right side, we have 1 oxygen atom (H2O). To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 3 in front of H2O on the right side.
H2 + Ta2O3 → Ta + 3H2O
Now, let's move on to balancing tantalum (Ta). On the left side, we have 2 tantalum atoms (Ta2O3), and on the right side, we have 1 tantalum atom (Ta). To balance the tantalum atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of Ta on the right side.
H2 + Ta2O3 → 2Ta + 3H2O
Therefore, the coefficient for Ta in the balanced equation is 2.