Chapter 16, Problem 13STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sodium nitride to produce sodium metal and nitrogen gas needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

For balancing an equation first write the skeleton equation. After that count the atoms of both side, count each polyatomic ion as a single element. Find the correct coefficient and placed them in front of the atoms and checked both side element equal or not.

Answer to Problem 13STP

The balanced equation is as follows:

${\text{2Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}\to 6{\text{Na+N}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)$

Explanation of Solution

Write the skeleton equations of sodium nitride to produce sodium metal and nitrogen gas.

${\text{Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}\to {\text{Na+N}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)$

In the reactant side number of Na atom is 3, and nitrogen atom is 1 while in product side number of Na is 1 and nitrogen is 2. To balance Na in both sides multiplies the product side Na by 6 and reactant side ${\text{Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}$ by 2. And to balance N multiply the product side nitrogen by 3. Therefore, the equation become

${\text{2Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}\to 6{\text{Na+N}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)$

Conclusion

In a balanced chemical equation number of atoms on both sides that means product side and the reactant side is identical.