Answer to Question #142241 in Inorganic Chemistry for cindyann

Question

Balance the following chemical equations using the algebraic method. Make sure you show all your work and explain each the step

(1) H2SO4 + NaHCO3, reaction arrow, Na2SO4 + CO2 + H2O

Answer 1

H2SO4 + 2 NaHCO3 = Na2SO4 + 2 CO2 + 2 H2O

Algebraic method:

1) balance Na in the left and in the right: 2 is needed for NaHCO3

2) SO4 is balanced in the left and right

3) balance C taking into account 2 NaHCO3 in the left: 2 is needed for CO2

4) balance H taking into account H2SO4 and 2 NaHCO3 in the left: 2 is needed for H2O

5) check O in the left and right: it is balanced