Chemical equation; reaction; balancing problem.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a chemical equation involving the conversion of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) to magnesium nitride (Mg3N2). Participants explore the mole ratio between these compounds and the balancing of the chemical equation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Debate/contested, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a chemical equation and seeks to understand how to balance it, questioning whether to add missing elements such as N2 and OH-.
  • Another participant proposes two different equations for the reaction, noting that the first equation seems more appropriate but expresses uncertainty about the possibility of oxygen gas being a product.
  • A third participant argues that balancing is unnecessary for determining the mole ratio, stating that the number of moles of magnesium remains constant, leading to a consistent ratio of 3 moles of Mg(OH)2 to 1 mole of Mg3N2 based on mass conservation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of balancing the reaction. While one participant believes balancing is essential, another contends that it is not required for determining the mole ratio.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the balancing of the reaction and the validity of the proposed equations. The discussion does not clarify the conditions under which the reactions occur or the implications of the proposed products.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and balancing equations may find this discussion relevant.

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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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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]
 
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
 
Thanks guys.
 

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