Balance the following chemical equation (show all steps)

2Al(s) + 3H₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(aq) + 3H₂(g)

Explanation:

Balancing chemical equations involves putting coefficients on the products and reactants of a chemical reaction.Balancing a chemical equation ensures that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.

In this case;

The unbalanced equation is; Al + H₂SO₄ → Al₂(SO₄)₃ + H₂

Note that, atoms of Al, S and O are unbalanced while atoms of H are balanced.To balance the equation we put appropriate coefficients, 2, 3, 1, 3

2Al + 3H₂SO₄ → Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂

We get, 2 Aluminium atoms, 6 Hydrogen atoms, 3 Sulfur atoms and 12 Oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.Therefore the balanced equation is;

2Al(s) + 3H₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(aq) + 3H₂(g)

Note that, a balanced chemical equation obeys the law of conservation of mass.