Is the following equation balanced? NH2CH2COOH (s) + 9/4 O2 --> 2 CO2 (s) + 5/2 H2O (l) + 1/2 N2 (g)

1 Answer
Nov 10, 2015

The correct equation is "4NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9O"_2("g")"4NH2CH2COOH(s)+9O2(g)rarr"8CO"_2("g") + 10"H"_2"O"("l")" + 2N"_2"8CO2(g)+10H2O(l) + 2N2 .

Explanation:

It is not properly balanced. A balanced equation should have only whole number coefficients.

"NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9/4O"_2("g")"NH2CH2COOH(s)+9/4O2(g)rarr"2CO"_2("g") + "5/2H"_2"O"("l") + "1/2N"_2("g")"2CO2(g)+5/2H2O(l)+1/2N2(g)

The common denominator of the fraction coefficients is 4. Multiply all coefficients times 4.

"4NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9O"_2("g")"4NH2CH2COOH(s)+9O2(g)rarr"8CO"_2("g") + (5*4)/2"H"_2"O"("l")" + (1*4)/2N_28CO2(g)+542H2O(l)+142N2

Simplify the fractions on the right side of the equation.

"4NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9O"_2("g")"4NH2CH2COOH(s)+9O2(g)rarr"8CO"_2("g") + 20/2"H"_2"O"("l")" + 4/2N_28CO2(g)+202H2O(l)+42N2

Reduce the fractions on the right side.

"4NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9O"_2("g")"4NH2CH2COOH(s)+9O2(g)rarr"8CO"_2("g") + 10"H"_2"O"("l")" + 2N"_2"8CO2(g)+10H2O(l) + 2N2