The image illustrates a
chemical reaction between hydrogen gas (H₂) and oxygen gas (O₂) to form water (H₂O). Let's break it down and explain the solution step by step.
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🔬 Chemical Reaction Shown:
$$
2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O}
$$
This is the
combustion of hydrogen, a classic example of a synthesis (combination) reaction.
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🧪 Step-by-Step Explanation:
#### 1.
Reactants (Left Side):
-
Hydrogen gas (H₂): Two molecules, each made of two blue spheres (representing hydrogen atoms).
- So, total hydrogen atoms = 2 molecules × 2 atoms =
4 H atoms
-
Oxygen gas (O₂): One molecule, made of two red spheres (representing oxygen atoms).
- So, total oxygen atoms = 2 O atoms
> Total atoms before reaction:
>
4 H + 2 O
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#### 2.
Reaction Process:
- The hydrogen and oxygen molecules react in the presence of energy (like a spark) to form water.
- Bonds break in H₂ and O₂, and new bonds form to create H₂O molecules.
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#### 3.
Products (Right Side):
-
Water (H₂O): Two molecules are formed.
- Each water molecule has:
- 2 hydrogen atoms (blue)
- 1 oxygen atom (red)
- So, total:
- Hydrogen: 2 molecules × 2 =
4 H atoms
- Oxygen: 2 molecules × 1 =
2 O atoms
> Total atoms after reaction:
>
4 H + 2 O
✔ Atoms are conserved! This satisfies the
Law of Conservation of Mass.
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✔ Balanced Equation:
$$
2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O}
$$
-
Coefficients: 2 for H₂ and 2 for H₂O ensure that the number of atoms on both sides matches.
- This equation is
balanced because:
- Hydrogen: 4 atoms in → 4 atoms out
- Oxygen: 2 atoms in → 2 atoms out
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💡 Key Concepts:
-
Molecules vs Atoms: H₂ and O₂ are diatomic gases (each molecule has 2 atoms).
-
Synthesis Reaction: Two elements combine to form a compound.
-
Stoichiometry: The ratio of reactants is 2:1 (H₂:O₂), producing 2 water molecules.
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🎯 Final Answer:
The reaction shown is the
formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen:
$$
\boxed{2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O}}
$$
This equation is balanced and demonstrates the conservation of mass and atoms during a chemical reaction.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of law of conservation of mass on atomic level.
