In order to balance the following chemical equation, the values of the coefficients x and y respectively are :
In order to balance the following chemical equation, the values of the coefficients x and y respectively are :
Options
The correct option is (a). The values of the coefficients and are 2 and 4 respectively.
Marking Scheme
- 11 Mark for correctly balancing the equation and identifying and (Option a).
Hint
Start by balancing the lead (Pb) atoms on both sides, which will immediately give you the value of . Then use to find the total number of nitrogen atoms to determine .
Quick Oral Answer
The balanced equation is . Therefore, the coefficients and are 2 and 4 respectively.
Analysis & Explanation
To balance the given chemical equation:
Let us count the atoms of each element on both sides:
- Lead (Pb):
- On the RHS, we have atoms of (in ).
- To balance on the LHS, we must have .
- Nitrogen (N):
- With , the LHS has atoms of (from ).
- To balance on the RHS, we must have atoms of (in ). Thus, .
- Oxygen (O):
- Let's verify if oxygen is balanced with and :
- LHS: oxygen atoms.
- RHS: (from ) + (from ) + (from ) = oxygen atoms.
Both sides are perfectly balanced. Therefore, and .
Common Mistakes
- 1Forgetting that the subscript 2 outside the parentheses in multiplies everything inside, leading to incorrect counts of nitrogen and oxygen atoms.
Interesting Facts
This reaction represents the thermal decomposition of lead nitrate, which produces brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide gas () as described in Activity 1.6.
Spotted a mistake or something unclear?
Tell us — we fix reported answers fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2023?
This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Chemical Reactions and Equations" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Balancing Chemical Equations" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper?
This is a MCQ question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2023 paper.