Which of the following is the correctly balanced chemical equation for the reaction: Ca3N2(s) + H2O(aq) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + NH3(g)?

• A. Ca3N2(s) + 6 H2O(aq) → 3 Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2 NH3(g)
• B. Ca3N2(s) + 6 H2O(aq) → 3 Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2 NH3(g)
• C. Ca3N2(s) + 6 H2O(aq) → 3 Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2 NH3(g)
• D. Ca3N2(s) + 6 H2O(aq) → 3 Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2 NH3(g)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the chemical equation: Reactants are Ca3N2(s) and H2O(aq), and products are Ca(OH)2(aq) and NH3(g).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: Ca3N2(s) + H2O(aq) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + NH3(g).
3. Balance the calcium (Ca) atoms: There are 3 Ca atoms in Ca3N2, so you need 3 Ca(OH)2 on the product side. This gives the partial equation: Ca3N2(s) + H2O(aq) → 3 Ca(OH)2(aq) + NH3(g).
4. Balance the nitrogen (N) atoms: There are 2 N atoms in Ca3N2, so you need 2 NH3 on the product side. This gives the partial equation: Ca3N2(s) + H2O(aq) → 3 Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2 NH3(g).
5. Balance the hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms: There are 6 H2O molecules needed to provide 6 OH groups for 3 Ca(OH)2 and 6 H atoms for 2 NH3. This results in the balanced equation: Ca3N2(s) + 6 H2O(aq) → 3 Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2 NH3(g).