Question

Write a balanced equation for each of the following reactions: (a) Burning magnesium metal in a carbon dioxide atmosphere reduces the \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) to carbon. (b) In photosynthesis, solar energy is used to produce glucose \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6}\right)\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) out of carbon dioxide and water. (c) When carbonate salts dissolve in water, they produce basic solutions.

Short answer

The balanced equations for the given reactions are: a) \(2 \mathrm{Mg} + \mathrm{CO}_{2} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{MgO} + \mathrm{C}\) b) \(6 \mathrm{CO}_{2} + 6 \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C}_{6}\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_{6} + 6 \mathrm{O}_{2}\) c) \(\mathrm{M}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} + \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{M}(\mathrm{OH})_{2} + \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3}\) (where M represents a metal)

Step-by-step solution

a) Burning magnesium in a carbon dioxide atmosphere

First, identify the reactants and products: Reactants: Magnesium (Mg) and Carbon dioxide (CO2) Products: Magnesium oxide (MgO) and Carbon (C) Write the unbalanced equation: Mg + CO2 -> MgO + C Balance the equation by adjusting the coefficients: 2 Mg + CO2 -> 2 MgO + C The balanced equation is: \(2 \mathrm{Mg} + \mathrm{CO}_{2} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{MgO} + \mathrm{C}\)

b) Photosynthesis

First, identify the reactants and products: Reactants: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Water (H2O) Products: Glucose (C6H12O6) and Oxygen (O2) Write the unbalanced equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O -> C6H12O6 + O2 Balance the equation by adjusting the coefficients: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6 O2 The balanced equation is: \(6 \mathrm{CO}_{2} + 6 \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C}_{6}\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_{6} + 6 \mathrm{O}_{2}\)

c) Dissolving carbonate salts in water

First, identify the reactants and products: Reactants: Carbonate salt (M2CO3, where M represents a metal) and Water (H2O) Products: Metal Hydroxide (M(OH)2) and Carbonic acid (H2CO3) Write the unbalanced equation: M2CO3 + H2O -> M(OH)2 + H2CO3 This equation is already balanced with the given coefficients. The balanced equation for a generic carbonate salt is: \(\mathrm{M}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3} + \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{M}(\mathrm{OH})_{2} + \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3}\) It is essential to note that the M in the balanced equation represents any metal. In a specific situation, replace M with an actual metal while balancing the equation (e.g., Na, K, etc.).