The reaction you've provided involves sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacting with mercury (Hg) to produce mercuric sulfate (HgSO₄), water (H₂O), and sulfur (S).
To balance this reaction, let's start with the unbalanced equation:
[ \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 + \text{Hg} \rightarrow \text{HgSO}_4 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{S} ]
Now, let's count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation and balance them accordingly.
Sulfur (S): There are 1 sulfur in H₂SO₄ and 1 sulfur in HgSO₄, and additional 1 sulfur as a product, totaling 2 sulfur atoms on the right side (in HgSO₄ and elemental sulfur). So, to balance this, we need to adjust the number of H₂SO₄.
Hydrogen (H): The left side has 2 hydrogen atoms from H₂SO₄, while the right side has 2 hydrogen atoms in H₂O.
Oxygen (O): In H₂SO₄, there are 4 oxygen atoms, and on the product side, there are 4 oxygen atoms (from HgSO₄ and H₂O combined).
Mercury (Hg): There is 1 mercury atom on each side.
Now, if we have one H₂SO₄ and one Hg, we can assume that everything balances:
[
H_2SO_4 + Hg \rightarrow HgSO_4 + H_2O + S
]
Thus, the balanced equation is:
[
H_2SO_4 + Hg \rightarrow HgSO_4 + H_2O + S
]
No coefficients are needed; the equation is already balanced.
