The diagrams represent a reaction on the molecular level. Atoms of A are represented with red spheres, and atoms of B are represented with blue spheres. Write a balanced chemical equation.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the molecular diagrams by counting the number of red and blue spheres in each molecule.
2. Determine the chemical formula for each reactant and product based on the number of red (A) and blue (B) spheres.
3. Write the unbalanced chemical equation using the identified chemical formulas for reactants and products.
4. Balance the chemical equation by adjusting the coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
5. Verify that the balanced equation follows the law of conservation of mass, ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides.

Key Concepts

Chemical Equations

A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants and products along with their respective quantities. It uses chemical formulas to denote the substances involved and must be balanced to obey the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing a chemical equation involves adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This process often requires trial and error, and it is essential for accurately representing the reaction and adhering to stoichiometric principles.

Molecular Representation

Molecular representation uses visual models, such as spheres or sticks, to depict the arrangement and types of atoms in a molecule. In this context, red and blue spheres represent different atoms (A and B), helping to visualize how these atoms interact during a chemical reaction, which is crucial for understanding the formation of products.