Question

When the following equation $HMn{O_4} + {H_2}S{O_3}\xrightarrow[{}]{}MnS{O_4} + {H_2}O + {H_2}S{O_4}$ is balanced, the coefficient, in the lowest whole number, of ${H_2}S{O_3}$ is
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

Answer 1

Hint: In chemistry, compounds react to form new products but they do so in specific proportions. Different proportions of different reactions may lead to the formation of different products. Some laws govern the reaction and the proportions in which the compounds react and thus form a proportionate reaction.

Complete step by step answer:
Chemical reaction represents the chemical changes that happen in various elements. The chemical reaction is written to represent the way and proportions that the elements and compounds adopt for the formation of products.
These chemical reactions need to be balanced for the correct representation of proportions in which they react. Different proportions of the reactants provide different reactions and thus different products.
The reaction is balanced by adding the coefficient in which the reactants form and the products form. This coefficient represents the molar coefficient and the respective number of particles that take part in a particular reaction.
The quantitative study for the representation of proportions of the reactants required and the products formed is known as stoichiometry.
Using this concept we can determine the number of reactants that are needed for the preparation of the specific amount of product.
The above reaction can be balanced in the following manner to satisfy the molar coefficients of the compounds.

$2HMn{O_4} + 5{H_2}S{O_3}\xrightarrow[{}]{}2MnS{O_4} + 3{H_2}O + 3{H_2}S{O_4}$

So the coefficient needed for the answer is 5

So, the correct answer is Option E .

Note: The amount of substance present in a compound may be represented in various ways like the mole percentage, molarity, molality, mole fraction, etc. Various laws are given the coefficient of the chemical reactions like the law of multiple proportions, Gay Lussac’s law of gaseous volumes, etc.