Write a balanced equation for the reaction of rubidium superoxide with water.

• A. 2 RbO₂(s) + 2 H₂O(l) → 2 RbOH(aq) + H₂O₂(aq) + O₂(g)
• B. 4 RbO(s) + 2 H₂O(l) → 4 RbOH(aq) + O₂(g)
• C. 2 RbO₂(s) + 2 H₂O(l) → 2 Rb(OH)₂(aq) + 2 H₂O(aq)
• D. 6 Rb₂O(s) + 4 H₂O(l) → 12 Rb(s) + 4 H₂O₂(aq) + O₂(g)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the chemical reaction. The reactants are rubidium superoxide (RbO2) and water (H2O). The products are rubidium hydroxide (RbOH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and oxygen gas (O2).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation using the chemical formulas of the reactants and products: RbO2(s) + H2O(l) → RbOH(aq) + H2O2(aq) + O2(g).
3. Balance the equation by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. Start by balancing the rubidium (Rb) atoms. Since there are two Rb atoms in 2 RbO2, you need 2 RbOH on the product side.
4. Next, balance the oxygen atoms. There are 4 oxygen atoms in 2 RbO2 and 2 in 2 H2O, making a total of 6 oxygen atoms on the reactant side. On the product side, there are 2 oxygen atoms in 2 RbOH, 2 in H2O2, and 2 in O2, totaling 6 oxygen atoms.
5. Finally, balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms in 2 H2O on the reactant side. On the product side, there are 2 hydrogen atoms in 2 RbOH and 2 in H2O2, totaling 4 hydrogen atoms. The balanced equation is: 2 RbO2(s) + 2 H2O(l) → 2 RbOH(aq) + H2O2(aq) + O2(g).