Problem 28 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

Elemental boron is produced by reduction of boron oxide with magnesium to give boron and magnesium oxide. Write a balanced equation for this reaction.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The balanced equation for the reduction of boron oxide with magnesium is: B2O3 + 6Mg -> 2B + 3MgO

Step 1: Identify reactants and products

In this reaction, the reactants are boron oxide (B2O3) and magnesium (Mg), and the products are elemental boron (B) and magnesium oxide (MgO).

Step 2: Write the unbalanced chemical equation

At this stage, simply write the reactants and products without worrying about the coefficients yet. B2O3 + Mg -> B + MgO

Step 3: Balance the chemical equation

To balance the chemical equation, we will adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that there is an equal number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. - There are two boron atoms on the left side (in B2O3) and only one on the right side (in B). To balance the boron atoms, we will put a coefficient of 2 in front of the elemental boron (B) on the right side. - There are three oxygen atoms on the left side (in B2O3) and only one on the right side (in MgO). To balance the oxygen atoms, we will put a coefficient of 3 in front of the magnesium oxide (MgO) on the right side. - Now, there are six magnesium atoms on the right side (3 in magnesium oxide MgO), so we need to balance the magnesium atoms by placing a coefficient of 6 in front of the magnesium (Mg) on the left side. The balanced chemical equation is: B2O3 + 6Mg -> 2B + 3MgO