For the formation of the major, stable oxygen compound of Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium in excess o — s Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
For the formation of the major, stable oxygen compound of Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium in excess oxygen, consider the stoichiometrically balanced equations with the smallest integer coefficients. If the reactions are: $a \text{Li} + b \text{O}_2 \rightarrow c \text{Product}$, $d \text{Na} + e \text{O}_2 \rightarrow f \text{Product}$, and $g \text{K} + h \text{O}_2 \rightarrow i \text{Product}$, what is the sum of the coefficients of the oxygen molecules ($b + e + h$)?
💡 Solution & Explanation
The balanced reactions are: $4Li + 1O_2 \rightarrow 2Li_2O$ (so $b=1$), $2Na + 1O_2 \rightarrow 1Na_2O_2$ (so $e=1$), and $1K + 1O_2 \rightarrow 1KO_2$ (so $h=1$). The sum $1 + 1 + 1 = 3$.