Balancing Equation Help

[Sigmar]

Hey I was wondering if you could balance this equation and show how you balanced it

CO + O₂ -----> CO₂

 

thanks

[JMJones0424]

It's not possible, as the right hand of the equation must include enough oxygen atoms to equal those that exist in the left side of the equation.  I suspect that you have either provided a false equivalency or have neglected something.  It could be the case that 2CO + O_{2 ->} 2CO₂   This equation is balanced because there are equal numbers of C atoms and O atoms on either side, namely 2 Carbon atoms and 4 Oxygen atoms.

[Sigmar]

okay thanks

[JMJones0424]

We've balanced the equation, but why is this equation valid?  I don't remember enough about chemistry to know that this is the correct answer.

Edited April 29, 2017 by JMJones0424

[exchemist]

We've balanced the equation, but why is this equation valid?  I don't remember enough about chemistry to know that this is the correct answer.

Yes it is the equation for the combustion of carbon monoxide. This is what you see in the little blue flames that lick round red-hot coals.