Balance KClO₃ → KCl + O₂
2 KClO₃(s) → 2 KCl(s) + 3 O₂(g)
Balance an equation
2KClO₃(s)→2KCl(s)+3O₂(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| K | 1:1 | 2:2 |
| Cl | 1:1 | 2:2 |
| O | 3:2 | 6:6 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, KClO₃: put 1 in front of it.
- K: 1 on the left. Put 1 in front of KCl.
- O: 3 on the left. Put 3/2 in front of O₂ (3/2 × 2 = 3).
- Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2.
- Check: K 2 = 2, Cl 2 = 2, O 6 = 6. Balanced.
What happens
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. Potassium chlorate gives off oxygen when heated. Manganese dioxide is added as a catalyst to make it faster.
Heating potassium chlorate: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for heating potassium chlorate?
2 KClO₃(s) → 2 KCl(s) + 3 O₂(g). The coefficients are 2, 2 and 3. Each side then has 2 K, 2 Cl and 6 O.
What type of reaction is heating potassium chlorate?
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. Potassium chlorate gives off oxygen when heated. Manganese dioxide is added as a catalyst to make it faster.
How do you balance KClO₃ → KCl + O₂?
Start with the biggest formula, KClO₃: put 1 in front of it. K: 1 on the left. Put 1 in front of KCl. O: 3 on the left. Put 3/2 in front of O₂ (3/2 × 2 = 3). Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.