When the equation CaCO3 → CaO + CO2 is balanced, the coefficient of carbon dioxide is 1. 2. 3. 4.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: 1
Explanation:
The given chemical equation is:
CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
This is a decomposition reaction where calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) breaks down into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) when heated.
To determine the correct coefficients that balance this equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation.
Step 1: Count atoms on both sides
Left side (reactants):
- Ca (calcium): 1
- C (carbon): 1
- O (oxygen): 3
Right side (products):
- Ca (in CaO): 1
- C (in CO₂): 1
- O: 1 (in CaO) + 2 (in CO₂) = 3
Since all the atoms are already balanced, no additional coefficients are needed. This means that the equation:
CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
is already balanced with a coefficient of 1 for each compound.
Therefore, the coefficient in front of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is 1.
Why balancing matters:
In chemistry, balancing chemical equations is essential because it reflects the law of conservation of mass. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. That means the total number of atoms of each element must be the same before and after the reaction.
By balancing equations, we ensure the quantities of reactants and products are correct. Even though this equation seems simple, balancing more complex reactions often involves using coefficients to equalize atom counts.
In this case, the formula is already balanced naturally, so the coefficient for CO₂ remains 1.
