The reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen gas forming water can be expressed in this equation, H2(g) + O2(g) → H₂O(I). To balance the equation, what are the coefficients needed in the given order for hydrogen, oxygen and water? A. 0, 2, 2 B. 2, 0, 2 C. 2, 1, 2 D. 2, 2, 2

The correct answer is C. 2, 1, 2. Here's why:

Step 1: Write down the unbalanced equation: H2(g) + O2(g) → H2O(l)

Step 2: Balance the hydrogen atoms first. There are 2 hydrogen atoms on the left side and only 1 on the right side. To balance this, we put a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O: H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l)

Step 3: Now, count the oxygen atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms on the left side and 2 on the right side (because 2*1=2), so the oxygen atoms are already balanced.

Step 4: Finally, check the hydrogen atoms again. There are 2 hydrogen atoms on the left side and 4 on the right side (because 2*2=4). To balance this, we put a coefficient of 2 in front of H2: 2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l)

So, the balanced equation is 2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l), and the coefficients in the order of hydrogen, oxygen, and water are 2, 1, 2.