Gunpowder is a solid-state mixture of potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ( s ) ), carbon (

Question

Gunpowder is a solid-state mixture of potassium nitrate (KNO3 (s)), carbon (C (s)), and sulfur (S (s)) that can be ignited to produce a high-energy detonation reaction. Assume that the reactants go directly to form the products: nitrogen gas, solid potassium sulfate, and carbon dioxide gas. What are the respective lowest whole number coefficients for the reactants and products in the order listed above in the balanced equation for this simplified gunpowder explosion reaction?

a) 2, 3, 3, 1, 1, 1

b) 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2

c) 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 3

d) 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1

e) 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

Explanation / Answer

The balanced equation is

2KNO3(s) + C(s) + S(s) = N2(g) + K2SO4 (s) + CO2 (g).

the answer is (e). i.e. 2,1,1,1,1,1.

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