Balancing Chemical Equations with Polyatomic Ions

The video tutorial explains how to balance the chemical equation for lead(II) nitrate and sodium hydroxide. It begins by identifying the components of the equation, including lead, nitrate ions, sodium, and hydroxide groups. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of treating polyatomic ions as single units to simplify the balancing process. It then demonstrates the step-by-step process of balancing the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides. The video concludes with a balanced equation and highlights the ease of balancing when polyatomic ions are present on both sides.

What is the initial chemical equation discussed in the video?

• NaCl + H2O

• C6H12O6 + O2

• Pb(NO3)2 + NaOH

• H2O + CO2

How is the nitrate ion represented in the equation?

• NO2

• NO3

• OH

• NH4

Why is it easier to balance equations by considering polyatomic ions as single units?

• They do not change during the reaction.

• They are not involved in the reaction.

• They appear on both sides of the equation.

• They are always on the reactant side.

What coefficient is used to balance the nitrates in the equation?

• 3

• 4

• 2

• 1

After balancing the nitrates, what is the next step in the balancing process?

• Balancing lead atoms

• Balancing hydrogen atoms

• Balancing sodium atoms

• Balancing oxygen atoms

What coefficient is placed in front of sodium hydroxide to balance sodium atoms?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 3

How many hydroxide ions are present on the product side after balancing?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

What is the final balanced equation for the reaction?

• Pb(NO3)2 + NaOH → Pb(NO3)2 + NaOH

• Pb(NO3)2 + 2NaOH → Pb(NO3)2 + 2NaOH

• Pb(NO3)2 + NaOH → Pb(OH)2 + NaNO3

• Pb(NO3)2 + 2NaOH → Pb(OH)2 + 2NaNO3

What is the main benefit of considering polyatomic ions as single units in balancing equations?

• It reduces the number of steps required.

• It increases the complexity of the equation.

• It makes the equation unbalanced.

• It changes the chemical properties.