Write a balanced equation for the decomposition of tnt. assume that, upon explosion, tnt decomposes into n2 (g), co2 (g), h2o (g), and c (s) :

TNT = trinitrotoluene

The molecular formula of TNT is C7H5N3O 6, so the decomposition equation is:

4C7H5N3O 6 - - - > 6N2 (g) + 7CO2 (g) + 10H2O (g) + 21C (s)

Count the atoms to the left and to the right to verify that the equation is balanced

atom left right

C 4*7 = 28 7 + 21 = 28

H 4*5 = 20 10*2 = 20

N 4*3 = 12 6*2 = 12

O 4*6 = 24 7*2 + 10 = 24

So, the equation is correctly balanced.

Answer: 4C7H5N3O6 - - - > 6N2 (g) + 7CO2 (g) + 10H2O (g) + 21C (s)