Which of the following equations is correctly balanced for the reaction between sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid to produce sodium sulfate, water, and carbon dioxide?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
B. 2NaHCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 2CO2(g)
Principle or equation
A balanced chemical equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides.
Why this answer is correct
Option B has 2 Na, 2 H, 2 C, 6 O on left (2 NaHCO3: 2Na, 2H, 2C, 6O; H2SO4: 2H, 1S, 4O) total: 2Na, 4H, 2C, 10O, 1S. Right: Na2SO4: 2Na, 1S, 4O; 2H2O: 4H, 2O; 2CO2: 2C, 4O; total 2Na, 4H, 2C, 10O, 1S. Balanced.
Example
Check atom counts for each option; only B matches.
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