KClO3 → KCl + O2
What is the best classification for the unbalanced equation's reaction?
To classify the unbalanced equation's reaction, we need to understand the types of chemical reactions. The given equation represents a decomposition reaction, where a single compound breaks down into multiple simpler substances.
Now, to balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.
The unbalanced equation is: KClO3 → KCl + O2
To balance it, we count the number of atoms of each element on both sides:
KClO3: 1 K atom, 1 Cl atom, and 3 O atoms
KCl: 1 K atom and 1 Cl atom
O2: 2 O atoms
To balance the chlorine (Cl), we can add a coefficient of 2 in front of KCl:
KClO3 → 2KCl + O2
Now, the chlorine is balanced. However, we still have an imbalance in the oxygen (O) atoms. On the left side, we have 3 O atoms from KClO3, while on the right side, we have only 2 O atoms from O2.
To balance the oxygen, we need to add a coefficient of 3/2 in front of O2. But since we can't have a fraction as a coefficient, we multiply all coefficients by 2:
2KClO3 → 4KCl + 3O2
The balanced equation is: 2KClO3 → 4KCl + 3O2
Therefore, the best classification for the balanced equation's reaction is a decomposition reaction.