NaBr + NaBrO3 + H2SO4 ⟶ Br2 + Na2SO4 + H2OWhat is the sum of the coefficients of the reactants after balancing?

1. Break Down the Problem

We need to balance the chemical reaction: $\text{NaBr} + \text{NaBrO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Br}_2 + \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + \text{H}_2\text{O}$ After balancing, we will find the sum of the coefficients of the reactants.

2. Relevant Concepts

To balance the equation, we will need to ensure that the number of each type of atom on the reactant side matches the number on the product side.

3. Analysis and Detail

1. Write the unbalanced equation: $\text{NaBr} + \text{NaBrO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Br}_2 + \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + \text{H}_2\text{O}$

2. Identify the number of each atom on both sides:

   • Reactants:

     • Na: 2 (1 from NaBr and 1 from NaBrO3)
     • Br: 3 (1 from NaBr and 2 from NaBrO3)
     • O: 4 (3 from NaBrO3 and 1 from H2SO4)
     • H: 2 (from H2SO4)
     • S: 1 (from H2SO4)

   • Products:

     • Na: 2 (from Na2SO4)
     • Br: 2 (from Br2)
     • O: 5 (4 from Na2SO4 and 1 from H2O)
     • H: 2 (from H2O)
     • S: 1 (from Na2SO4)

3. Balancing the equation: To balance Br, we need 3 Br on the product side: $2 \text{NaBr} + \text{NaBrO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow 2 \text{Br}_2 + \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O}$

4. Now recount:

   • Reactants:
     • Na: 3
     • Br: 3
     • O: 4
     • H: 2
     • S: 1
   • Products:
     • Na: 2
     • Br: 4
     • O: 5
     • H: 4
     • S: 1

5. Final balanced equation: $2 \text{NaBr} + \text{NaBrO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow 2 \text{Br}_2 + \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O}$

4. Verify and Summarize

Now, counting the coefficients of the reactants after balancing:

• Coefficients: 2 (NaBr), 1 (NaBrO3), 1 (H2SO4)

Sum of coefficients of reactants: $2 + 1 + 1 = 4$

Final Answer

The sum of the coefficients of the reactants after balancing is 4.