I have these 5 chemical equations and I keep getting the same 1:1 ratio on all of them. I must be doing something wrong!
KCL + NaNO3 = KNO3 + NaCl
HNO3 + KOH = H2O + KNO3
H2O + SO3 = H2SO4
4Na + O2 = 2Na2O
2NO2 = 2NO + O2
I suspect you have posted the same questions under other names. That makes it difficult for us to follow. However, when you say ratio you don't tell us what kind of ratio it is.
For the first one
1:1:1:1 is correct.
1:1:1:1 is correct for #2.
4:1:2 is correct for #3. If you are interest JUST IN Na to Na2O, then 4:2 (or 2:1 in the reduced form) is all you need. If interest in Na to O2, then 4:1 is correct.
2:2:1 is the last one.
If there is another interpretation, please let me know and I can be more detailed.
To determine the ratio between reactants and products in a chemical equation, you need to balance the equation by adjusting the coefficients. The coefficients indicate the number of molecules or moles of each substance involved in the reaction.
Let's examine each equation one by one and determine the correct ratio:
1. KCl + NaNO3 = KNO3 + NaCl
To balance this equation, count the number of atoms on both sides:
On the left side: 1 K, 1 Cl, 1 Na, 1 N, 3 O
On the right side: 1 K, 1 Cl, 1 Na, 1 N, 3 O
Since the number of atoms is already balanced, no coefficient changes are needed. The ratio in this equation is indeed 1:1.
2. HNO3 + KOH = H2O + KNO3
On the left side: 1 H, 1 N, 3 O, 1 K
On the right side: 2 H, 1 O, 1 K, 1 N, 3 O
To balance this equation, add a coefficient of 2 in front of KOH:
HNO3 + 2KOH = H2O + KNO3
Now the number of atoms is balanced:
On the left side: 1 H, 1 N, 3 O, 2 K
On the right side: 2 H, 1 O, 1 K, 1 N, 3 O
So the correct ratio is 1:2 for HNO3:KOH.
3. H2O + SO3 = H2SO4
On the left side: 2 H, 1 O, 1 S
On the right side: 2 H, 4 O, 1 S
To balance this equation, add a coefficient of 2 in front of H2SO4:
H2O + SO3 = 2H2SO4
Now the number of atoms is balanced:
On the left side: 2 H, 1 O, 1 S
On the right side: 4 H, 4 O, 2 S
So the correct ratio is 2:1 for H2O:SO3.
4. 4Na + O2 = 2Na2O
On the left side: 4 Na, 2 O
On the right side: 4 Na, 2 O
This equation is already balanced, so the ratio is 1:1.
5. 2NO2 = 2NO + O2
On the left side: 2 N, 4 O
On the right side: 2 N, 3 O
To balance this equation, add a coefficient of 2 in front of NO:
2NO2 = 4NO + O2
Now the number of atoms is balanced:
On the left side: 2 N, 4 O
On the right side: 4 N, 3 O
So the correct ratio is 2:4 or simplified as 1:2 for NO2:NO.
In conclusion, after balancing the equations, you can see that each equation has a different ratio between the reactants and products. It appears you were interpreting them correctly, and there is no mistake in getting a 1:1 ratio on some equations while others have different ratios.