10) Aluminum is a highly reactive metal that oxidizes when exposed to air. Which of these would be a good first step in balancing this reaction? Al + O2 → Al2O3

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Chemistry

Baby Cakes

22 June, 18:18

10) Aluminum is a highly reactive metal that oxidizes when exposed to air. Which of these would be a good first step in balancing this reaction? Al + O2 → Al2O3

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Ximena Shah · Answer 1

Hello!

(Missing)

A) Put a coefficient of 3 on Al

B) Put a coefficient of 3 on O2

C) Put a coefficient of 2 on O2

D) Put a coefficient of 3 on Al2O3

A good first step to balance this reaction is Put a coefficient of 3 on O ₂.

All the other options don't balance an atom but putting a coefficient of 3 on O₂ achieves the goal of starting to balance Oxygen on both sides of the equation. The next step after that would be to put a coefficient of 2 on Al₂O₃ and there would be 6 Oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.

Have a nice day!