Write a balanced equation for the synthesis of hydrogen using each of the following starting materials: (b) C, (c) CH4, (d) H2O.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the reactants and products for each reaction. For (b) C, the reactants are carbon (C) and water (H2O), and the products are hydrogen gas (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). For (c) CH4, the reactants are methane (CH4) and water (H2O), and the products are hydrogen gas (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). For (d) H2O, the reactants are water (H2O) and a source of energy, and the products are hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2).
2. Step 2: Write the unbalanced chemical equations for each reaction. For (b) C: C + H2O → H2 + CO. For (c) CH4: CH4 + H2O → H2 + CO. For (d) H2O: H2O → H2 + O2.
3. Step 3: Balance the chemical equation for reaction (b) by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. The balanced equation is C + H2O → H2 + CO.
4. Step 4: Balance the chemical equation for reaction (c) by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. The balanced equation is CH4 + H2O → 3H2 + CO.
5. Step 5: Balance the chemical equation for reaction (d) by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. The balanced equation is 2H2O → 2H2 + O2.

Key Concepts

Synthesis Reactions

Synthesis reactions, also known as combination reactions, occur when two or more reactants combine to form a single product. In the context of hydrogen synthesis, various starting materials can react to produce hydrogen gas (H2). Understanding the nature of these reactions is crucial for writing balanced chemical equations.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. This involves adjusting coefficients in front of compounds to achieve equal numbers of each type of atom, which is a fundamental skill in chemistry.

Types of Reactants

Different reactants can lead to the synthesis of hydrogen through various chemical pathways. For example, carbon (C) can react with water (H2O) in a gasification process, while methane (CH4) can undergo steam reforming. Recognizing the properties and reactivity of these materials is vital for predicting the products and writing accurate equations.