Write a balanced chemical equation, include phases, for the following acid reaction:HClO₃ reacting with Zn metal.

• A. HClO₃(aq) + Zn(l) → ZnClO₃(aq) + H(g)
• B. 2 HClO₃(aq) + Zn(l) → Zn(ClO₃)₂(aq) + 2 H(g)
• C. 2 HClO₃(aq) + 2 Zn(s) → 2 ZnClO₃(aq) + H₂(g)
• D. 2 HClO₃(aq) + Zn(s) → Zn(ClO₃)2(aq) + H₂(g)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the chemical reaction. The reactants are HClO3 (aqueous) and Zn (solid), and the products are Zn(ClO3)2 (aqueous) and H2 (gas).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation using the chemical formulas and phases: HClO3(aq) + Zn(s) → Zn(ClO3)2(aq) + H2(g).
3. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. On the reactant side, you have 1 Zn, 1 Cl, 3 O, and 1 H. On the product side, you have 1 Zn, 2 Cl, 6 O, and 2 H.
4. Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients. Start by balancing the number of chlorine and oxygen atoms. You need 2 HClO3 to provide 2 Cl and 6 O, matching the product side.
5. Finally, balance the hydrogen atoms. With 2 HClO3, you have 2 H atoms on the reactant side, which matches the 2 H atoms in H2 on the product side. The balanced equation is: 2 HClO3(aq) + Zn(s) → Zn(ClO3)2(aq) + H2(g).