1. Write the unbalanced equation:
CH₃CH₂COOH + NaOH → CH₃CH₂COONa + H₂O
2. Identify the elements and count their atoms on each side:
* Left side:
* C: 3
* H: 6
* O: 2
* Na: 1
* Right side:
* C: 3
* H: 5
* O: 2
* Na: 1
3. Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients:
* Hydrogen (H): There are 6 H atoms on the left and 5 on the right. Add a coefficient of 2 in front of H₂O on the right side.
* Everything else is balanced:
4. The balanced equation is:
CH₃CH₂COOH + NaOH → CH₃CH₂COONa + 2H₂O
Explanation:
* Propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in a neutralization reaction.
* This reaction produces sodium propionate (CH₃CH₂COONa) and water (H₂O).
* The coefficients in the balanced equation ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, following the law of conservation of mass.
