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The equation 3N2 + 9H2 giving 6NH3 is balanced. Why is it not the preferred form?
AThe subscripts are not the smallest possible
BThe coefficients are not the smallest possible
CThe reactants are written on the wrong side
DThe states of matter have not been included
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The coefficients are not the smallest possible
1. Count the atoms: N is 6 on each side and H is 18 on each side, so the equation is balanced.
2. Convention still asks for the smallest whole-number coefficients.
3. The greatest common factor of 3, 9 and 6 is 3, so divide each coefficient by 3.
4. That gives N2 + 3H2 giving 2NH3, the preferred form.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 4 "Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions", section 4.1 Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations_
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