Q5
1 markMCQSection A

Consider the following Chemical equation: aAl2O3+bHClcAlCl3+dH2OaAl_2O_3 + bHCl \longrightarrow cAlCl_3 + dH_2O. In order to balance this chemical equation, the values of a, b, c and d must be

Chemical Reactions and Equations
Balanced Chemical Equations

Options

(A)1, 6, 2 and 3
(B)1, 6, 3 and 2
(C)2, 6, 2 and 3
(D)2, 6, 3 and 2
Official Answer

The correct option is A.

Balancing chemical equationsCoefficientsLaw of conservation of mass

Marking Scheme

  • 11 mark for selecting the correct option A.

Hint

Start by balancing the metal atoms (Al) first, then non-metals (Cl), followed by hydrogen and oxygen.

Quick Oral Answer

To balance this equation, we set the coefficients as a=1a=1, b=6b=6, c=2c=2, and d=3d=3, ensuring that the number of Al, O, H, and Cl atoms is equal on both sides of the reaction.

Analysis & Explanation

To balance the chemical equation:


aAl2O3+bHClcAlCl3+dH2OaAl_2O_3 + bHCl \longrightarrow cAlCl_3 + dH_2O


we count the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:

  1. Aluminum (Al): There are 2a2a atoms on the LHS and cc atoms on the RHS. Thus, 2a=c2a = c.
  2. Oxygen (O): There are 3a3a atoms on the LHS and dd atoms on the RHS. Thus, 3a=d3a = d.
  3. Hydrogen (H): There are bb atoms on the LHS and 2d2d atoms on the RHS. Thus, b=2db = 2d.
  4. Chlorine (Cl): There are bb atoms on the LHS and 3c3c atoms on the RHS. Thus, b=3cb = 3c.

Let us assume a=1a = 1:

  • From 2a=c2a = c, we get c=2(1)=2c = 2(1) = 2.
  • From 3a=d3a = d, we get d=3(1)=3d = 3(1) = 3.
  • From b=2db = 2d, we get b=2(3)=6b = 2(3) = 6.

Let's verify with the chlorine atoms: b=6b = 6 on the LHS and 3c=3(2)=63c = 3(2) = 6 on the RHS, which is perfectly balanced.


Thus, the coefficients are a=1a = 1, b=6b = 6, c=2c = 2, and d=3d = 3. This corresponds to Option A.


  • Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not satisfy the conservation of atoms for all elements simultaneously.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Students often forget to multiply the subscript of an element by its stoichiometric coefficient, leading to incorrect atom counts.

Interesting Facts

Balancing chemical equations is a direct consequence of the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2024?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 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 "Balanced Chemical Equations" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper.