Chemical equation; reaction; balancing problem.

In summary, the conversation discusses the conversion of Mg(OH)2 to Mg3N2 through a chemical reaction. The mole ratio of Mg(OH)2 to Mg3N2 in this reaction is 3:1. There is no need to balance the other elements in the equation as the number of moles of Mg remains constant. This approach is effective and efficient for stoichiometric calculations.
  • #1
General_Sax
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0

Homework Statement



All of a sample of Mg(OH)2 was converted to Mg3N2 by:

Mg3N2 -> Mg(OH)2

Give the mole ration of Mg(OH)2 to Mg3N2 in that reaction.


The Attempt at a Solution






Well I'm having trouble just making heads or tails of the equation in the first place. Should I sart balancing by adding the missing elements/ions, ie, the N2, and OH-?
 
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  • #2
1] 3Mg(OH)2+2NH3=Mg3N2+6H2O


2] 3Mg(OH)2+N2O=Mg3N2+3H2O+2O2

the first is more appropriate [not sure if it's possible to have oxygen gas as a product of a chemical reaction]
 
  • #3
You don't have to balance any reaction - number of moles of Mg doesn't change, so it will be always 3 moles of Mg(OH)2 giving one mole of Mg3N2.

Such approach is quite effective and fast when you do stoichiometric questions - there is no need to waste time on balancing other elements, when you can predict molar ratio of reagent and substrate just from formulas and mass conservation.

--
methods
 
  • #4
Thanks guys.
 

1. What is a chemical equation?

A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction. It shows the reactants, products, and the chemical formulas of each substance involved in the reaction.

2. What is a chemical reaction?

A chemical reaction is a process in which one or more substances are transformed into new substances with different properties. This transformation is often accompanied by the release or absorption of energy.

3. Why is balancing a chemical equation important?

Balancing a chemical equation is important because it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, so the number of atoms of each element in the reactants must be equal to the number of atoms of each element in the products.

4. How do you balance a chemical equation?

To balance a chemical equation, you must adjust the coefficients in front of each substance so that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. You can do this by first balancing the elements that appear in the most complex molecules and then working your way to the simpler ones.

5. What are some common techniques for balancing chemical equations?

Some common techniques for balancing chemical equations include inspection, trial and error, and algebraic methods. Inspection involves visually balancing the equation by adjusting the coefficients. Trial and error involves guessing and checking different coefficients until the equation is balanced. Algebraic methods, such as using simultaneous equations or matrices, can also be used to balance chemical equations.

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