When the equation below is balanced and all coefficients are in the lowest, whole number ratio, the coefficients are:
Bi + O2 �¨ Bi2O3
2Bi + (3/2)O2 = Bi2O3
But we don't have 1/2-molecules, so double everything to get
4Bi + 3O2 = 2Bi2O3
To balance the equation Bi + O2 -> Bi2O3, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Let's start by balancing the oxygen atoms. On the left side, we have 2 oxygen atoms from O2, and on the right side, we have 3 oxygen atoms from Bi2O3. To balance them, we need to multiply O2 by 3:
Bi + 3O2 -> Bi2O3
Next, let's balance the bismuth atoms. On the left side, we have 1 bismuth atom, and on the right side, we have 2 bismuth atoms in Bi2O3. To balance them, we need to multiply Bi by 2:
2Bi + 3O2 -> Bi2O3
Now the equation is balanced, and the coefficients in the lowest whole number ratio are: 2Bi + 3O2 -> Bi2O3.
To balance the equation:
Bi + O2 -> Bi2O3
We need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Let's start with the metal (Bi) atoms. There is one Bi atom on the left side of the equation, and two Bi atoms on the right side. To balance the Bi atoms, we need to put a coefficient of 2 in front of Bi on the left side of the equation:
2Bi + O2 -> Bi2O3
Now let's balance the oxygen (O) atoms. On the left side, we have 2 oxygen atoms from O2, and on the right side, we have 3 oxygen atoms from Bi2O3. To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to put a coefficient of 3/2 or 1.5 in front of O2 on the left side of the equation:
2Bi + (3/2) O2 -> Bi2O3
However, we want all the coefficients to be in the lowest, whole number ratio. Multiply all the coefficients by 2 to eliminate the fraction:
4Bi + 3O2 -> 2Bi2O3
Therefore, when the equation is balanced and all coefficients are in the lowest, whole number ratio, the coefficients are:
4Bi + 3O2 -> 2Bi2O3