When the equation #Li + O_2 -> Li_2O# is correctly balanced, what is the sum ofthe coefficients?

1 Answer
anor277
May 10, 2017

#4Li(s)+O_2(g) rarr 2Li_2O(s)#

Explanation:

The coefficients are selected so as to represent the conservation of mass. Is mass conserved in the given reaction? If it is not then it cannot be accepted as a representation of chemical reality. To make the arithmetic a bit easier we could write.........

#2Li(s) + 1/2O_2rarrLi_2O(s)#

See this old answer.......

Interestingly, lithium metal is one of the few materials that will react with (otherwise inert!) dinitrogen gas to give lithium nitride, #Li_3N#.

How would balance this equation?

#Li(s) + N_2(g) rarr Li_3N(s)#.........

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