Use the unbalanced chemical equation to answer the question.
2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + CO2
Which of the following can be added to the products to balance the equation?
(1 point)
Responses
H2
H 2
O2
O 2
CH2OH
CH 2 OH
H2O
H2O
To balance the chemical equation 2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + CO2, we need to add an appropriate number of molecules or atoms to the products to have an equal number of atoms on both sides of the equation.
Looking at the options provided, the only option that contains elements that are not already present in the equation is H2O. Therefore, we can add H2O to the products to balance the equation.
The balanced equation would be:
2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
To balance the given unbalanced chemical equation 2NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + CO2, we need to ensure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation.
Let's analyze the equation one by one:
On the left side, we have:
2 Na atoms
2 H atoms
2 C atoms
6 O atoms (from 2 HCO3 groups)
On the right side, we have:
1 Na atom
1 C atom
3 O atoms (from CO3 group)
1 C atom
2 O atoms
To balance the equation, we need to find a substance that can contribute the required atoms.
Looking at the options provided:
1. H2: This consists of 2 H atoms. Adding H2 won't balance the equation since we already have 2 H atoms on the left side.
2. O2: This consists of 2 O atoms. Adding O2 won't balance the equation since we already have enough O atoms on the right side.
3. CH2OH: This consists of 2 H atoms, 1 C atom, and 1 O atom. Adding CH2OH won't balance the equation since we still need more Na and CO3 groups.
4. H2O: This consists of 2 H atoms and 1 O atom. By adding H2O to the products, we can balance the equation.
So, the correct answer is H2O. Adding H2O to the products will balance the equation:
2NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O