Write and balance the following chemical equations: nitrogen and oxygen combine to form dinitrogen pentoxide.

Answer 1

N₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → N₂O₅ (g)

Balance the oxygen atoms first. Since we have 2 oxygen atoms on the reactant side and 5 oxygen atoms on the product side (an even:odd combo), the common multiple between 2 and 5 is 10. Therefore, to balance the oxygen atoms, we need a coefficient of 5 on the reactant side and a coefficient of 2 on the product side.

N₂ (g) + 5 O₂ (g) → 2 N₂O₅ (g)

After balancing the oxygen atoms, the product side now has 4 nitrogen atoms and there are only 2 N atoms on the reactant side. To balance nitrogen, you need a coefficient of 2 on the reactant side.

2 N₂ (g) + 5 O₂ (g) → 2 N₂O₅ (g)

Always double check your work.

Nitrogen: 4 on reactant side and 4 on the product side

Oxygen: 10 on reactant side and 10 on the product side