Balance the following reaction: _(NH4)2CO3 + _MgSO4 > _(NH4)2SO4 +
_MgCO3

The balanced equation :

(NH₄)₂CO₃ + MgSO₄ > (NH₄)₂SO₄ +MgCO₃

Given

Reaction

(NH4)2CO3 + MgSO4 > (NH4)2SO4 + MgCO3

Required

The balanced equation

Solution

Give a coefficient

a(NH₄)₂CO₃ + bMgSO₄ > (NH₄)₂SO₄ +cMgCO₃

Make an equation

N, left=2a, right=2⇒2a=2⇒a=1

S, left=b, right=1⇒b=1

C, left=a, right=c⇒a=c=1

The equation becomes :

(NH₄)₂CO₃ + MgSO₄ > (NH₄)₂SO₄ +MgCO₃

< > according to newton's third law of motion, forces always act in equal but opposite pairs. another way of saying this is for every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction.< >