Which of the following equations is correctly balanced for the reaction between aluminum and sulfuric acid to produce aluminum sulfate and hydrogen gas?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
A. 2 Al + 3 H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 3 H2
Principle or equation
A balanced chemical equation must have the same number of each type of atom on both sides. The correct formulas must be used: aluminum sulfate is Al2(SO4)3, and hydrogen gas is H2.
Why this answer is correct
Option A: Left: 2 Al, 6 H, 3 S, 12 O. Right: 2 Al, 6 H, 3 S, 12 O. All atoms balance. The other options either have incorrect formulas or unbalanced atom counts.
Example
Balancing Al + HCl → AlCl3 + H2: 2 Al + 6 HCl → 2 AlCl3 + 3 H2.
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