Balancing Chemical Equations and Atoms

The video tutorial explains how to balance the chemical equation Hg + O2 yields HgO. It begins by identifying the components of the equation: mercury and oxygen gas forming mercury(II) oxide. The tutorial then demonstrates balancing the oxygen atoms by adding a coefficient of two in front of HgO, ensuring two oxygen atoms on both sides. Next, it balances the mercury atoms by placing a coefficient of two in front of Hg, resulting in two mercury atoms on each side. The video concludes with the balanced equation and a thank you from Dr. B.

What is the initial chemical equation involving mercury and oxygen?

• Hg2 + O2 → HgO

• Hg + O → HgO2

• HgO + O2 → Hg

• Hg + O2 → HgO

How many oxygen atoms are present initially in the equation?

• Four

• Two

• One

• Three

What coefficient is added in front of HgO to balance the oxygen atoms?

• 2

• 1

• 3

• 4

After balancing the oxygen atoms, how many mercury atoms are present on the product side?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

What is the final balanced chemical equation?

• Hg + 2O2 → HgO2

• 2Hg + O → HgO2

• Hg + O2 → HgO

• 2Hg + O2 → 2HgO