List the proper coefficients to balance the following equation with the
smallest whole numbers possible. Use a comma to separate each
coefficient (for example 2,1,3):
_____C12H22O11 ---> _____C + _____H2O
To balance a chemical equation, we need to ensure that the total number of each element on both sides of the equation is equal.
Let's start by counting the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:
On the left side:
C: 12
H: 22
O: 11
On the right side:
C: 1
H: 2
O: 1
To balance the equation, we need to adjust the coefficients so that the number of atoms on both sides is equal.
We can start by balancing carbon (C) atoms. There are 12 C atoms on the left side and only 1 C atom on the right side. To balance it, we can put a coefficient of 12 in front of C on the right side.
The equation now becomes:
C12H22O11 ---> 12C + _____H2O
Next, let's balance hydrogen (H) atoms. There are 22 H atoms on the left side and only 2 H atoms on the right side. To balance it, we can put a coefficient of 11 in front of H2O on the right side.
The equation now becomes:
C12H22O11 ---> 12C + 11H2O
Now, let's balance oxygen (O) atoms. There are 11 O atoms on the left side and 11 O atoms on the right side, so it's already balanced.
The final balanced equation is:
C12H22O11 ---> 12C + 11H2O
Therefore, the coefficients to balance the equation with the smallest whole numbers possible are:
12, 11, 1