QuestionBalance this equation:
Though you would not normally do so, enter the coefficient of "1" if needed.
HF( )
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
What is this asking?
We need to find the smallest whole number coefficients that balance the given chemical equation, making sure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.
Watch out!
Don't forget that the coefficient multiplies *every* atom in the molecule.
Also, a missing coefficient is the same as a coefficient of 1!
STEP 2
1. Balance the Boron (B) atoms.
2. Balance the Oxygen (O) atoms.
3. Balance the Hydrogen (H) atoms.
4. Balance the Fluorine (F) atoms.
5. Final Check!
STEP 3
We've got on the left with **two** Boron atoms, and on the right with only **one** Boron atom.
To balance the Boron atoms, we'll put a **coefficient of 2** in front of .
STEP 4
Now our equation looks like this: Woohoo! Boron is balanced!
STEP 5
We see **three** Oxygen atoms on the left side with and **one** Oxygen atom on the right side with .
Let's add a **coefficient of 3** in front of to balance the Oxygen atoms.
STEP 6
Our updated equation is: Oxygen is now balanced!
STEP 7
We have **one** Hydrogen atom on the left side with and **six** Hydrogen atoms on the right side with ().
To balance the Hydrogen atoms, we'll put a **coefficient of 6** in front of .
STEP 8
The equation now looks like this: Hydrogen is balanced!
STEP 9
We have **six** Fluorine atoms on the left side with () and **six** Fluorine atoms on the right side with ().
The Fluorine atoms are already balanced!
STEP 10
Let's double-check:
* **Boron (B):** 2 on both sides.
* **Oxygen (O):** 3 on both sides.
* **Hydrogen (H):** 6 on both sides.
* **Fluorine (F):** 6 on both sides.
Everything is perfectly balanced!
STEP 11
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