Write balanced equations for each of the following reactions.
b. When copper(II) nitrate is heated strongly, it decomposes to form copper(II) oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen.
e. Potassium peroxide reacts with CO₂(g) to give potassium carbonate and O₂.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the reaction. The reactants are potassium peroxide (K2O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and the products are potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and oxygen (O2).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation by placing the reactants on the left side and the products on the right side of the equation: K2O2 + CO2 → K2CO3 + O2.
3. Balance the equation by adjusting the coefficients to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Start by balancing the elements that appear in only one reactant and one product.
4. Check the balance of oxygen atoms, as it appears in all reactants and products. Adjust coefficients to ensure the total number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation is equal.
5. Verify that the total charge (if any) and the number of atoms of each element are balanced on both sides of the equation to ensure the law of conservation of mass is obeyed.

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement. The reaction between potassium peroxide and carbon dioxide is a type of synthesis reaction, where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. Understanding the type of reaction helps in predicting the products formed.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on their molar ratios. It allows chemists to predict how much of each substance is needed or produced in a reaction. In the given reaction, stoichiometry will help determine the correct coefficients to balance the equation accurately.