Question

For the reaction of sodium with water, the balanced equation using the smallest whole numbers has which of the following coefficients ?
I. 1
II. 2
III. 3

Select the correct option.
a.) I only
b.) III only
c.) I and II only
d.) II and III only
e.) I, II and III

Answer 1

Hint: The coefficients can be defined as the numbers written before the reagent in the balanced chemical equation. It defines the number of moles of that particular element that take part in reaction. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and water is as -
$2Na + 2{H_2}O \to 2NaOH + {H_2}$

Complete step by step answer:
First, let us write the reaction of sodium with water.
The sodium reacts with water to give sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction can be written as
$Na + {H_2}O \to NaOH + {H_2}$

This equation is not a balanced one. Balancing the equation, we get -
$2Na + 2{H_2}O \to 2NaOH + {H_2}$

So, in the above balanced equation, the coefficient has smallest whole numbers 1 and 2.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: It must be noted that a balanced chemical equation is the one in which the number of moles of reactants are equal to the number of moles of products of particular element. A balanced chemical equation explains the correct amount of reacting species and product formation.