Which of the following is the correctly balanced chemical equation for the reaction of lead(II) oxide with ammonia to produce lead, nitrogen gas, and water?

• A. PbO(s) + 2NH3(g) → Pb(s) + N2(g) + 2H2O(l)
• B. 3PbO(s) + 2NH3(g) → 3Pb(s) + N2(g) + 3H2O(l)
• C. 3PbO(s) + 2NH3(g) → 3Pb(s) + N2(g) + 3H2O(l)
• D. 3PbO(s) + 2NH3(g) → 3Pb(s) + N2(g) + 3H2O(l)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the chemical equation: Lead(II) oxide (PbO), ammonia (NH3), lead (Pb), nitrogen gas (N2), and water (H2O).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation using the chemical formulas: PbO(s) + NH3(g) → Pb(s) + N2(g) + H2O(l).
3. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation to ensure they are equal. Start with lead (Pb), nitrogen (N), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).
4. Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients. Begin with the element that appears in the fewest compounds, typically starting with metals like lead (Pb).
5. Verify the balance by recounting the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Ensure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides.