The compound KCIO3 decomposes according to the following equation
2KCIO3- 2KCI + 3O2
2KCIO3 ---> 2KCI + 3O2, if this reaction produced 95.1 g of KCL, how much O2 ...?
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The given chemical equation represents the decomposition of potassium chlorate (KCIO3) into potassium chloride (KCI) and oxygen gas (O2). This reaction occurs when KCIO3 is heated, leading to the breaking of its chemical bonds and the formation of new substances.
To understand the reaction and how to balance it, we need to analyze the elements and their respective quantities on each side of the equation.
On the left-hand side:
- We have 2 potassium atoms (2K)
- We have 2 chlorine atoms (2Cl)
- We have 6 oxygen atoms (6O)
On the right-hand side:
- We have 2 potassium atoms (2K)
- We have 2 chlorine atoms (2Cl)
- We have 3 oxygen atoms (3O)
Since the number of potassium and chlorine atoms is already balanced, we only need to balance the oxygen atoms. To achieve this, we place a coefficient of 3 in front of KCIO3 and a coefficient of 3 in front of KCI.
The balanced equation is:
2KCIO3 → 2KCI + 3O2
By balancing chemical equations, we ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged.
Note: The reaction is not properly balanced in the question because it states "2KCIO3 - 2KCI + 3O2." The coefficients should be placed in front of each compound or element.