Balancing Chemical Reactions

In this video, Dr. B demonstrates how to balance the chemical equation MgCO3 + HCl. The process begins with counting the atoms on each side of the equation. Initially, there is one magnesium, one carbon, three oxygens, one hydrogen, and one chlorine on the reactant side. On the product side, there is one magnesium, one carbon, two oxygens, three oxygens, two hydrogens, and two chlorines. To balance the equation, the hydrogens and chlorines are doubled by placing a coefficient of 2 in front of HCl. This results in a balanced equation where the number of each type of atom is equal on both sides. The video concludes with the balanced equation for magnesium carbonate and hydrochloric acid.

What is the initial count of oxygen atoms on the reactant side of the equation?

• 2

• 4

• 1

• 3

Which atoms were identified as needing to be doubled to balance the equation?

• Hydrogen and Chlorine

• Oxygen and Carbon

• Magnesium and Oxygen

• Magnesium and Carbon

What coefficient is placed in front of HCl to balance the equation?

• 1

• 3

• 2

• 4

After balancing, how many chlorine atoms are present on each side of the equation?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 3

What is the final balanced equation for the reaction between magnesium carbonate and hydrochloric acid?

• MgCO3 + 2HCl → MgCl + CO2 + H2O

• MgCO3 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + CO2 + H2O

• MgCO3 + HCl → MgCl2 + CO2 + H2O

• MgCO3 + HCl → MgCl + CO2 + H2O