What is the coefficient for the reactant Nb in the balanced equation Nb + O2 → Nb2O5?
In the given reaction Nb + O2 → Nb2O5, the coefficient for the reactant Nb is 4. A coefficient is a number that appears before a chemical formula in a balanced equation. It indicates the number of molecules or formula units involved in the reaction. In this case, the coefficient of 4 for Nb means that there are four atoms of Nb on the reactant side of the equation.
To balance a chemical equation, the number of each type of atom must be the same on both sides of the reaction arrow. This ensures that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
To balance the given reaction Nb + O2 → Nb2O5, the coefficients are adjusted as follows:
- Nb: 1 (reactant side) -> 4 (product side)
- O2: 2 (reactant side) -> 5 (product side)
The balanced equation becomes: 4Nb + 5O2 → 2Nb2O5
Therefore, in the balanced equation, the coefficient for the reactant Nb is 4.
Understanding Balanced Equations and Coefficients
Balanced Equation:
A balanced equation is a chemical equation where the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the reaction arrow. This means that the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products. Balancing an equation involves adjusting the coefficients of the formulas to achieve this balance.
Role of Coefficients:
Coefficients are the numbers placed in front of chemical formulas to balance the equation. They indicate the relative amounts of each reactant and product involved in the reaction.
In the given example, the coefficient of 4 for Nb indicates that four moles of Nb are required for the reaction with five moles of O2 to produce two moles of Nb2O5.
How to Balance Equations:
1. Start by writing down the unbalanced equation with the reactants on the left side and the products on the right side.
2. Determine the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
3. Adjust the coefficients of the formulas to balance the number of atoms on both sides.
4. Verify that the equation is balanced by counting the atoms again.
By following these steps, chemical equations can be balanced to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld in the reaction. This process is essential for understanding the stoichiometry of reactions and predicting the outcomes of chemical reactions based on the quantities of reactants and products involved.
For further information on balanced reactions and coefficients, you can visit reputable educational platforms like Chemistry textbooks or online resources dedicated to chemical reactions and equations.