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Multiple Choice
What is the balanced molecular equation for the precipitation reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of lithium bromide and lead(II) acetate are mixed?
Identify the reactants and products in the reaction. The reactants are lithium bromide (LiBr) and lead(II) acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2). The products will be lithium acetate (LiC2H3O2) and lead(II) bromide (PbBr2).
Write the unbalanced molecular equation using the identified reactants and products: LiBr(aq) + Pb(C2H3O2)2(aq) → LiC2H3O2(aq) + PbBr2(s).
Balance the equation by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. Start by balancing the lead (Pb) and bromine (Br) atoms. Since there are two bromine atoms in PbBr2, you need two LiBr molecules: 2 LiBr(aq) + Pb(C2H3O2)2(aq) → 2 LiC2H3O2(aq) + PbBr2(s).
Check the balance of lithium (Li) and acetate (C2H3O2) ions. With two LiBr molecules, you have two lithium ions, which matches the two lithium acetate molecules on the product side.
Verify that the equation is balanced by counting the atoms of each element on both sides: 2 Li, 2 Br, 1 Pb, and 2 C2H3O2 on both sides. The balanced molecular equation is: 2 LiBr(aq) + Pb(C2H3O2)2(aq) → 2 LiC2H3O2(aq) + PbBr2(s).