Question

what is the balanced equation for CO2 (s) directly to CO2 (g)

Answer 1

KO2(s) + CO2(g) ------> K2CO3(s) + O2(g)?

You have to start somewhere!! C's are OK

Look for some atom which is easy to balance eg K

Double KO2 to balance the K

2KO2(s) + CO2(g) ------> K2CO3(s) + O2(g)

C's still OK

6[can you see why? (2x2)+2] O's on left
.
TO GET 6 O's ON RIGHT PUT 1.5O2

2KO2(s) + CO2(g) ------> K2CO3(s) + 1.5O2(g)

O's on right are now 3 + (1.5x2)=6 !!!!

SOME TUTORS AND EXAM BOARDS FROWN UPON THE USE OF SIMPLE (0.5) FRACTIONAL
MOLES BEING USED TO BALANCE EQUATIONS, ALTHOUGH AT HIGHER LEVELS OF CHEMISTRY IT IS ACCEPTABLE AND IS USED

It is a useful tool to balance an equation but if you are not allowed to use it just double everything

4KO2(s) + 2CO2(g) ------> 2K2CO3(s) + 3O2(g)

C's still OK!!!!!!!