Question

While writing the chemical reaction for the oxidation of calcium by oxygen , student wrote the following balanced equation : $Ca+O\to CaO$
Is it correct? If not explain and write the correct balanced equation.

Answer 1

$\underset{1}{Ca}+\underset{2}{O_2}⟶\underset{1}{Ca}\underset{1}{O}$ not balanced (i)

Multiply equation (i) $Ca$ by $2$ and $CaO$ by $2$

$2Ca+O_2⟶2CaO$ balanced (ii)

Equation (ii) is balanced by multiplying $Ca$ of reactant and $CaO$ product by coefficient $2$.