Question
What is the first step in balancing a chemica I equation? Count the atoms of the elements in the reactants Write the physical state of the reactants Write the word equation Write the skeleton equation
Answer
4.5
(283 Votes)
Ilona
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
D
Explanation
## Step 1: Understand the problem. We need to identify the first step in balancing a chemical equation.## Step 2: Recall the process of balancing a chemical equation. The steps typically involve:### 1. Writing the unbalanced (skeleton) equation.### 2. Counting the atoms of each element in the reactants and products.### 3. Adding coefficients to balance the atoms.### 4. Ensuring the coefficients are in the simplest ratio.## Step 3: Identify the first step from the options given.### - Option A: Counting the atoms of the elements in the reactants.### - Option B: Writing the physical state of the reactants.### - Option C: Writing the word equation.### - Option D: Writing the skeleton equation.## Step 4: The first step in balancing a chemical equation is to write the skeleton equation, which shows the chemical forms of the reactants and products without coefficients.#