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

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Answer 1 · 2015-11-10T06:51:42

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

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

#"NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9/4O"_2("g")"##rarr##"2CO"_2("g") + "5/2H"_2"O"("l") + "1/2N"_2("g")"#

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

#"4NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9O"_2("g")"##rarr##"8CO"_2("g") + (5*4)/2"H"_2"O"("l")" + (1*4)/2N_2#

Simplify the fractions on the right side of the equation.

#"4NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9O"_2("g")"##rarr##"8CO"_2("g") + 20/2"H"_2"O"("l")" + 4/2N_2#

Reduce the fractions on the right side.

#"4NH"_2"CH"_2"COOH(s)" + "9O"_2("g")"##rarr##"8CO"_2("g") + 10"H"_2"O"("l")" + 2N"_2"#