Answer to Question #291371 in General Chemistry for dakkk

Question

NaHCO3(s) + CH3COOH(aq)→NaCH3COO(aq) + H2O(/) + CO2(g)

Is the equation of the overall reaction between the baking soda and vinegar balanced or not?

Answer 1

To check whether the equation is balanced or no, all that needs to be done is to compare the number of atoms of each type on both sides of the equation. They must be equal, in order for the equation to be balanced. So let us compare each element separately. The atoms that are being compared are highlighted.

• Sodium (Na) - 1 atom on each side:

NaHCO₃(s) + CH₃COOH(aq)→NaCH₃COO(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

• Hydrogen (H) - 5 atoms on each side:

NaHCO₃(s) + CH₃COOH(aq)→NaCH₃COO(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

• Carbon (C) - 3 atoms on each side:

NaHCO₃(s) + CH₃COOH(aq)→NaCH₃COO(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

• Oxygen (O) - 5 atoms on each side:

NaHCO₃(s) + CH₃COOH(aq)→NaCH₃COO(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

Since for each element the number of atoms on the left side matches the number of atoms on the right side, the equation is balanced and no additional coefficients are needed.