The chemical equation you provided is not balanced. Here's why and how to balance it:

Unbalanced Equation:

SiO₂ + C → Si + 2CO

Explanation:

* Silicon (Si): On the left side of the equation, we have 1 silicon atom. On the right side, we have 1 silicon atom. This is balanced.

* Oxygen (O): On the left side, we have 2 oxygen atoms. On the right side, we have 2 oxygen atoms. This is balanced.

* Carbon (C): On the left side, we have 1 carbon atom. On the right side, we have 2 carbon atoms. This is not balanced.

Balanced Equation:

SiO₂ + 2C → Si + 2CO

Explanation:

By adding a coefficient of 2 in front of carbon (C) on the left side of the equation, we now have 2 carbon atoms on both sides, balancing the equation.