Question

Which equation is correctly balanced: `A.` `Al(s) + 3O_2(g) rarr Al_2O_3(s);` `B.` `Al(s) + 3O_2(g) rarr Al_2O_3(s);` `C.` `Al(s) + 3/2O_2(g) rarr Al_2O_3(s);` `D.` `2Al(s) + 3O_2(g) rarr 2Al_2O_3(s)?`

Answer 1

`"Option c"` is mostly balanced........

Explanation:

Alumina is `Al_2O_3`, which is the product of aluminum oxidation. None of your equations shows the correct formulae. We can rewrite the correct equation as:

`2Al(s)+ 3/2O_2(g) rarr Al_2O_3(s)`

This balances (i) mass, and (ii) charge. And thus it reflects chemical and physical reality.