A student writes the reaction for heating potassium chlorate as \(KClO_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta,\,MnO_2} KCl + O_2\). What is the correct evaluation of this equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The correctly balanced equation is \(2KClO_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta,\,MnO_2} 2KCl + 3O_2\), and \(MnO_2\) is a catalyst.
Option B is correct. In the balanced equation, \(2KClO_3\) contains 2 K atoms, 2 Cl atoms, and 6 O atoms. The products \(2KCl\) and \(3O_2\) also contain 2 K atoms, 2 Cl atoms, and 6 O atoms. \(MnO_2\) is not a reactant; it is a catalyst that increases the reaction rate and is written above the arrow. In option A, oxygen atoms are not balanced, and the reaction is a decomposition reaction, not a displacement reaction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correctly balanced equation is \(2KClO_3 \xrightarrow{\Delta,\,MnO_2} 2KCl + 3O_2\), and \(MnO_2\) is a catalyst.
Why is this the correct answer?
Option B is correct. In the balanced equation, \(2KClO_3\) contains 2 K atoms, 2 Cl atoms, and 6 O atoms. The products \(2KCl\) and \(3O_2\) also contain 2 K atoms, 2 Cl atoms, and 6 O atoms. \(MnO_2\) is not a reactant; it is a catalyst that increases the reaction rate and is written above the arrow. In option A, oxygen atoms are not balanced, and the reaction is a decomposition reaction, not a displacement reaction.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
