Question

Look at this unbalanced symbol equation: Na + H₂0→NaOH + H₂. Which of these is the correct balanced equation?
A. 2Na + 2H₂0 →2NaOH + H₂
B.2Na + H₂0 →2NaOH + H₂
C. Na + 2H₂0 →2NaOH + H₂
D. 3Na + 2H₂0 →2NaOH + H₂

Answer 1

2
N
a
+
2
H
2
O
→
2
N
a
O
H
+
H
2

Explanation:
You have to count the number of atoms in both sides of the reaction to be equal, to make it a little easier you can make a list. So in the equation
N
a
+
H
2
O
→
N
a
O
H
+
H
2
, there are
1
−
N
a
−
1

2
−
H
−
3

1
−
O
−
1

So you multiply NaOH and H2O by 2, so you have 4 hydrogens in both sides, and then multiply Na by 2 to be equal to the NaOH you previously multiplied.