Which of the following statements correctly describes the balanced chemical equation 2H_2 + O_2 → 2H_2O?

• A. Two molecules of hydrogen gas react with two molecules of oxygen gas to produce one molecule of water.
• B. One molecule of hydrogen gas reacts with two molecules of oxygen gas to produce two molecules of water.
• C. Two molecules of hydrogen gas react with one molecule of oxygen gas to produce two molecules of water.
• D. Two atoms of hydrogen react with two atoms of oxygen to produce two molecules of water.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the coefficients in the balanced chemical equation: \$2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$. These coefficients represent the number of molecules (or moles) of each substance involved in the reaction.
2. Interpret the coefficient '2' before \(H_2\) as two molecules of hydrogen gas, and the coefficient '1' (implied) before \(O_2\) as one molecule of oxygen gas.
3. Recognize that the coefficient '2' before \(H_2O\) means two molecules of water are produced.
4. Understand that the equation shows the reaction between two molecules of hydrogen gas and one molecule of oxygen gas to produce two molecules of water, maintaining the conservation of atoms.
5. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to the coefficients and the meaning of molecules versus atoms to determine which correctly describes the balanced equation.