Which of the following is a balanced equation representing the decomposition of lead(IV) oxide?
A. [tex]2 PbO \longrightarrow 2 Pb+ O _2[/tex]
B. [tex]PbO \longrightarrow Pb + O[/tex]
C. [tex]PbO \rightarrow--> Pb + O _2[/tex]
D. [tex]PbO _2 \rightarrow Pb+ O _2[/tex]
Answer (2)
The problem requires identifying the balanced decomposition equation for lead(IV) oxide ( P b O 2 ).
Examine each provided equation to ensure it starts with P b O 2 and decomposes into P b and O 2 .
Verify that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
The balanced equation is P b O 2 → P b + O 2 , where one molecule of P b O 2 decomposes into one atom of P b and one molecule of O 2 .
The final answer is P b O 2 → P b + O 2 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The problem asks us to identify the balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of lead(IV) oxide ( P b O 2 ) from the given options. A balanced equation must have the same number of atoms of each element on both sides.
Checking Each Option Let's examine each option:
2 P b O ⟶ 2 P b + O 2 : This equation starts with 2 P b O , which is lead(II) oxide, not lead(IV) oxide ( P b O 2 ). So, this is not the correct decomposition reaction.
P b O ⟶ P b + O : This equation also starts with P b O and decomposes into P b and a single O atom. Oxygen usually exists as a diatomic molecule ( O 2 ), and the starting material is incorrect, so this is not balanced.
Pb + O _2"> P b O → − − > P b + O 2 : This equation again starts with P b O , which is incorrect. Also, it's not balanced.
P b O 2 → P b + O 2 : This equation starts with lead(IV) oxide ( P b O 2 ) and decomposes into lead ( P b ) and oxygen ( O 2 ). Let's check if it's balanced:
Pb: 1 atom on the left, 1 atom on the right.
O: 2 atoms on the left, 2 atoms on the right. This equation is balanced.
Conclusion Therefore, the balanced equation representing the decomposition of lead(IV) oxide is P b O 2 → P b + O 2 .
Examples
Decomposition reactions are commonly used in chemistry to break down complex substances into simpler ones. For example, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide ( H 2 O 2 ) into water ( H 2 O ) and oxygen ( O 2 ) is used in various applications, such as disinfecting wounds and bleaching hair. Similarly, the decomposition of lead(IV) oxide can be used in the production of lead and oxygen, which have various industrial applications. Understanding balanced chemical equations is crucial for predicting the amount of reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction, ensuring efficient and safe chemical processes.
The balanced equation for the decomposition of lead(IV) oxide is P b O 2 → P b + O 2 . This equation maintains the same number of each type of atom on both sides, confirming it is balanced. Options that started with P b O or did not have the correct number of oxygen atoms were incorrect.
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