K2Cr2O7+H2SO4+Zn-K2SO4+Cr2(SO4)3+ZnSO4+H2O
I do believe you omitted an arrow!
The given equation represents a chemical reaction. Let's break down the equation and understand what is happening.
First, we have K2Cr2O7 (potassium dichromate) reacting with H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and Zn (zinc). The forward arrow (->) indicates the direction of the reaction and the products formed. The products of this reaction are K2SO4 (potassium sulfate), Cr2(SO4)3 (chromium sulfate), ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate), and H2O (water).
To understand how this reaction occurs, we need to know the principles of chemical equations and reactions. In this case, we can identify redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions.
To balance this equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides. Balancing involves adjusting the coefficients (numbers in front of each compound or element) to achieve this equality.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to balance this equation:
1. Start by balancing the atoms that appear in only one compound on each side of the equation. In this case, we have K, Cr, O, S, Zn, and H.
2. Balance the polyatomic ions. Here, we have SO4 on both sides. You can balance it by placing a coefficient of 2 in front of the ZnSO4 on the product side.
3. Balance the other elements one by one. Begin with the complex Cr2(SO4)3. Count the number of Cr atoms on each side. In this case, there are two Cr atoms on its left but no Cr atoms on its right. To balance this, put a coefficient of 2 in front of the K2Cr2O7 on the reactant side.
4. Lastly, balance the remaining elements, K and H. Place a coefficient of 7 in front of the H2SO4 on the reactant side to balance the H atoms. Similarly, put a coefficient of 7 in front of the K2SO4 and the Zn on the product side to balance the K atoms.
After balancing, the final balanced equation will look like this:
2K2Cr2O7 + 7H2SO4 + 3Zn -> 2K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + 3ZnSO4 + 7H2O
Now, you have successfully balanced the given equation representing a redox reaction involving K2Cr2O7, H2SO4, and Zn.