Unbalanced Equation:
Zn + O2 → ZnO
Balancing the Equation:
1. Oxygen: There are two oxygen atoms on the left side (O2) and only one on the right side (ZnO). To balance this, place a coefficient of 2 in front of ZnO.
Zn + O2 → 2ZnO
2. Zinc: Now there are two zinc atoms on the right side, but only one on the left. Place a coefficient of 2 in front of Zn on the left side.
2Zn + O2 → 2ZnO
Balanced Equation:
2Zn + O2 → 2ZnO
This balanced equation shows that 2 moles of zinc react with 1 mole of oxygen to produce 2 moles of zinc oxide.