balance the chemical equations (1) Ca + O2 = Cao (2) Hgo = Hg +O2
Answers
Explanation:
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
Ca0 - 2 e- → CaII
(oxidation)
2 O0 + 2 e- → 2 O-I
(reduction)
Ca is a reducing agent, O2 is an oxidizing agent.
Only change the coefficients (these are the numbers in front substances).
Coefficients are the numbers in front of the molecule.
Never change the subscripts (the small numbers after elements).
Answer: I will be balancing them step by step
1) Ca + O₂ = CaO (here we see that on left hand side there are 2 oxygen atoms so we multiply right hand side compound with 2.)
Ca + O₂ = 2CaO (Now on right hand side calcium atom counts two so we will multiply the left hand side calcium atom by 2)
2Ca + O₂ = 2CaO ( Now this has become a balanced equation)
2) HgO = Hg + O₂ ( two oxygen atoms on RHS so we multiply LHS compound by 2)
2HgO = Hg + O₂ ( To balance mercury on either side we next multiply RHS mercury atom by 2)
2HgO = 2Hg + O₂ (Thus we have now a balanced equation.)