Balancing Silver Decomposition Reactions

In this video, Dr. B demonstrates how to balance the chemical equation for the decomposition of Ag2S into Ag and S8. The process involves counting the number of silver and sulfur atoms on each side of the equation, adjusting coefficients to balance the atoms, and ensuring the equation is balanced. The video provides a step-by-step guide to achieving a balanced chemical equation, emphasizing the importance of balancing both silver and sulfur atoms.

What is the initial decomposition reaction discussed in the video?

• Ag2S decomposing into Ag and S8

• NaCl decomposing into Na and Cl2

• H2O decomposing into H2 and O2

• CO2 decomposing into C and O2

How many silver atoms are initially present on the reactant side?

• Four

• Two

• Eight

• One

What is the first step taken to balance the silver atoms?

• Add a coefficient of 8 to Ag

• Add a coefficient of 2 to Ag

• Add a coefficient of 4 to Ag

• Add a coefficient of 16 to Ag

How many sulfur atoms are needed on the reactant side to balance the equation?

• Sixteen

• Eight

• Two

• One

What final coefficient is used to balance the silver atoms on the reactant side?

• Thirty-two

• Sixteen

• Eight

• Two

What is the final balanced equation for the decomposition of Ag2S?

• 2Ag2S → 4Ag + S8

• 8Ag2S → 16Ag + S8

• Ag2S → 2Ag + S8

• 16Ag2S → 32Ag + S8