I need to write a balance equation of the decomposition of aluminum carbonate.
I know the starting "reactant" is Al2(CO3)3 but would the "product' be 2Al + 3(CO3) ? Thanks
No. Most carbonates decompose on heating to CO2 + the oxide.
Al2(CO3)3 ==> Al2O3 + CO2
I will leave it for you to balance.
Note:
CaCO3 ==> CaO + O2
MgCO3 ==> MgO + CO2
Na2CO3 ==> Na2O + CO2
etc.
To write the balanced equation for the decomposition of aluminum carbonate (Al2(CO3)3), we need to identify the correct products.
When aluminum carbonate decomposes, it forms aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as products. The balanced equation is as follows:
2 Al2(CO3)3 → 4 Al2O3 + 9 CO2
In this equation, you can see that both sides of the equation have the same number of atoms for each element.
To write a balanced equation for the decomposition of aluminum carbonate, you need to correctly represent the reactant and the products. The reactant, as you correctly stated, is Al2(CO3)3.
Now, let's break down the decomposition reaction of aluminum carbonate. When heated, aluminum carbonate decomposes to yield aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as the products.
So the balanced equation would be:
2 Al2(CO3)3(s) → 4 Al2O3(s) + 6 CO2(g)
In this equation, you correctly represented the number of aluminum atoms on both sides (2 Al on both sides). However, the carbonate ion (CO3) decomposes to form carbon dioxide (CO2), not just carbon (C). It's important to consider the correct stoichiometry.
Remember, when balancing chemical equations, it's crucial to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. In this case, there are two aluminum atoms, three carbon atoms, and nine oxygen atoms on each side.
Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!