Question

How would you balance:$M{g_3}{N_2} + {H_2}S{O_4} \to MgS{O_4} + {(N{H_4})_2}S{O_4}$?

Answer 1

Hint: A chemical reaction refers to a phenomenon which leads to the chemical transition of one type of chemical substance to another. Chemical reactions involve changes with reference to the electrons positioning in the formation as well as decomposition of chemical bonds that exist between the atoms, while no change occurs to the nuclei i.e. no alteration to the elements present.

Complete step by step answer:
Unbalanced chemical equations possess different numbers of atoms of distinct elements in reactants as well as products. On the other hand, balanced chemical equations possess the same number of atoms of distinct elements in reactants as well as products. It should be noted that the same masses of different elements should be present in reactants and products while balancing the chemical equation. The unbalanced chemical reaction given in the question is stated below:
$M{g_3}{N_2} + {H_2}S{O_4} \to MgS{O_4} + {(N{H_4})_2}S{O_4}$
We will equalise the number of atoms of elements on both sides while balancing the given reaction equation. We will balance the number of atoms by multiplying \[{H_2}S{O_4}\] with coefficient 4 and \[MgS{O_4}\] with 3 as listed below:

Reactants/products	No. of moles in Unbalanced equation	No. of moles in Balanced equation
\[M{g_3}{N_2}\]	1	1
\[{H_2}S{O_4}\]	1	$1 \times 4 = 4$
\[MgS{O_4}\]	1	$1 \times 3 = 3$
\[{(N{H_4})_2}S{O_4}\]	1	1

So now, the number of atoms will become equal on both sides as listed below:

Name of atoms	Number of atoms in Unbalanced equation	Number of atoms in Balanced equation
	Left side	Right side	Left side	Right side
\[Mg\]	3	1	3	3
\[N\]	2	2	2	2
\[H\]	2	8	8	8
\[S\]	1	2	4	4
\[O\]	4	8	16	16

The final balanced reaction is depicted below:
$M{g_3}{N_2} + 4{H_2}S{O_4} \to 3MgS{O_4} + {(N{H_4})_2}S{O_4}$

Note: A balanced chemical equation simply obeys the law of conservation of mass. Balancing the chemical equations is a significant guiding principle in chemistry. A balanced chemical equation helps you to predict the amount of reactants required and the amount of products formed.