Which of the following lists the reactants in the chemical equation: HCl(aq) + NaHCO_3(aq) → CO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + NaCl(aq)?

• A. HCl(aq) and NaCl(aq)
• B. CO_2(g) and H_2O(l)
• C. HCl(aq) and NaHCO_3(aq)
• D. NaCl(aq) and H_2O(l)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the given chemical equation: \(\mathrm{HCl(aq) + NaHCO_3(aq) \rightarrow CO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + NaCl(aq)}\).
2. Recall that reactants are the substances present before the reaction occurs, located on the left side of the arrow.
3. Note that products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction, located on the right side of the arrow.
4. From the equation, the substances on the left side (reactants) are \(\mathrm{HCl(aq)}\) and \(\mathrm{NaHCO_3(aq)}\).
5. Therefore, the correct list of reactants is \(\mathrm{HCl(aq)}\) and \(\mathrm{NaHCO_3(aq)}\).