Examine the scenario and the incorrectly ordered steps for balancing a chemical equation. Mason was asked to balance the equation that models the reaction between lithium (Li) and water (H2O), which yields lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and hydrogen gas (H2). Then he was asked to record his process. Mason performs the correct steps to balance the equation but writes down these steps in the wrong order. A. Added a coefficient of 2 in front of the lithium (Li) reactant in order to correct the imbalance. B. Observed that the equation was balanced. C. Noticed the imbalance between the one lithium (Li) atom on the reactant side and the two lithium atoms on the product side. D. Noticed that the two hydrogen (H) atoms on the reactant side and the three hydrogen atoms on the product side were not balanced. E. Added a coefficient of 2 in front of the water (H2O) reactant and the lithium hydroxide (LiOH) product in order to correct the imbalance. Which option correctly orders the steps Mason must have followed to balance the equation Li + H2O → LiOH + H2?
A)C, E, D, A, B
B)D, A, C, E, B
C)C, A, D, E, B
D)D, E, C, A, B
Answers
Answer:
Lithium and water is a very strong exothermic reaction. remember all Alkali Metals Li, Cs, Na etc are have very low Electromagnetic Force/Zeff/IMF. This is because these atom has the shielding effect.
Explanation:
shielding effect is when electrons in the innermost energy shells basically shields the valence electrons from the protons positive attraction (it doesn’t mean their’s no attraction) So, these Alkali metals would rather release an electron than to attract one. In doing so, a lot of energy is released or exothermic. Now for you reaction:
Li(s) + H2O(l) → LiOH(aq) + H+(g)
(Li will hydrolyze the water, which is by acting as a base)
LiOH will completly dissociate because its a strong base. So LiOH → Li + + OH-
(H+) + (H+) → H2 (gas)
so overall equation will be like:
2Li(s) + 2H2O(l) →2Li+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) + H2
2Li(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2LiOH(aq) + H2(g)