Which of the following equations is correctly balanced for the reaction between solid aluminum carbide (Al4C3) and water to produce solid aluminum hydroxide and methane gas?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
A. Al4C3(s) + 12H2O(l) → 4Al(OH)3(s) + 3CH4(g)
Principle or equation
A balanced chemical equation must have the same number of each type of atom on both sides. For Al4C3 + H2O → Al(OH)3 + CH4, balance Al, C, H, and O.
Why this answer is correct
Start with Al: 4 Al on left, so 4 Al(OH)3 on right. C: 3 C on left, so 3 CH4 on right. Now count H: right has 4×3 + 3×4 = 12 + 12 = 24 H. Left must have 24 H, so 12 H2O. Check O: left 12 O, right 4×3 = 12 O. Balanced.
Example
For Al4C3 + 12H2O → 4Al(OH)3 + 3CH4, atoms: Al 4=4, C 3=3, H 24=24, O 12=12.
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