What is the sum of the coefficient when the following equation is balanced: __ H2SO4 + __ NaOH → __ H2O + __ Na2SO4

a. 4

b. 5

c. 6

d. no right answer

The sum of the coefficient is: 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 6 (option c)

Explanation:

First we will balance on both sides Na

On the right side we have 2x Na but on the left side we have only 1x Na. So we have to multiply NaOH on the left side by 2.

This will give us:

H2SO4 + 2 NaOH → H2O + Na2SO4

Now we have on both sides 2x Na

We see that on the left side we have 4x H (2x H of H2SO4 and 2x H of NaOH), but on the right side we only have 2x H. So, we have to multiply H2O on the right side by 2.

This will give us:

H2SO4 + 2 NaOH → 2 H2O + Na2SO4

Now we have on both sides 2x Na and 4x H.

Also the number of O is on both sides equal, due to this. (Both sides have 6x O).

Finally, we have this reaction: H2SO4 + 2 NaOH → 2 H2O + Na2SO4

The sum of the coefficient is: 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 6 (option c)