Balance the following equation: ____K2CrO4(aq) + ____Na2SO3(aq) + ____HCl(aq) → ____KCl(aq) + ____Na2SO4(aq) + ____CrCl3(aq) + ____H2O(l). What are the correct coefficients for K2CrO4, Na2SO3, and HCl, respectively?

• A. 2, 3, 6
• B. 1, 3, 8
• C. 2, 1, 8
• D. 1, 2, 6

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products. Write down the unbalanced equation: K2CrO4(aq) + Na2SO3(aq) + HCl(aq) → KCl(aq) + Na2SO4(aq) + CrCl3(aq) + H2O(l).
2. Start by balancing the elements that appear in only one compound on each side. Begin with chromium (Cr) and potassium (K) from K2CrO4. Since Cr appears in CrCl3, balance Cr by ensuring there are equal numbers of Cr atoms on both sides.
3. Next, balance the sodium (Na) atoms. Na appears in Na2SO3 and Na2SO4. Adjust the coefficients to ensure the number of Na atoms is equal on both sides.
4. Balance the chlorine (Cl) atoms. Cl appears in HCl, KCl, and CrCl3. Adjust the coefficients to ensure the number of Cl atoms is equal on both sides.
5. Finally, balance the hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms. H appears in HCl and H2O, and O appears in K2CrO4, Na2SO3, and H2O. Adjust the coefficients to ensure the number of H and O atoms is equal on both sides.