How do you balance #Ag_2O -> Ag + O_2#?

1 Answer
Jan 16, 2016

#2Ag_2Orarr4Ag+O_2#

Explanation:

Balancing a chemical equation consists of changing the coefficient of molecules in order to make the number of atoms equal on both side.

Consider the given equation:

#Ag_2OrarrAg+O_2#

Notice how there is only one #O# on the reactants side, but two on the products side. This can be fixed by multiplying the reactant by #2#.

#color(red)(2)Ag_2OrarrAg+O_2#

Now that the oxygen atoms are balanced, all that remains is the silver. There are now four #Ag# on the reactant side and only one on the product side, which can be remedied with a coefficient of four on the products side.

#2Ag_2Orarrcolor(blue)(4)Ag+O_2#

This is completely balanced.