The equation is:
3C + CaO = CaC2 + CO
To balance it, we'll start by balancing the carbon atoms:
On the left side, we have 3 carbon atoms from C, and on the right side, we have 1 carbon atom from CaC2. So, we need to put a coefficient of 3 in front of CaC2 to balance the carbon atoms:
3C + CaO = 3CaC2 + CO
Now, let's balance the oxygen atoms:
On the left side, we have 1 oxygen atom from CaO, and on the right side, we have 2 oxygen atoms from CO. So, we need to put a coefficient of 2 in front of CaO to balance the oxygen atoms:
3C + 2CaO = 3CaC2 + CO
Now, let's check the calcium atoms:
On the left side, we have 1 calcium atom from CaO, and on the right side, we have 3 calcium atoms from CaC2. So, we need to put a coefficient of 3 in front of CaO to balance the calcium atoms:
3C + 3CaO = 3CaC2 + CO
Now, the equation is balanced with 3 carbon atoms, 3 calcium atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms on each side.
