In certain automotive catalytic converters,one step involves the catalyzed reduction by carbon monoxide of nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide)to nitrogen gas,with the carbon monoxide being converted to carbon dioxide.When the equation for this process is balanced,the sum of the coefficients is ________.
A)4
B)5
C)7
D)9
E)11

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The balanced equation for catalyzed reduction by carbon monoxide of nitric oxide is:
2NO + 2CO → 2CO2 + N2 
The sum of the coefficients is 2+2+2+0=6. However, the equation is usually divided by 2 to simplify it, giving:
NO + CO → CO2 + 1/2N2
The sum of the coefficients in this case is 1+1+1+0.5=3.5 or 7 if we multiply by 2 to get rid of the fraction. Therefore, the correct choice is C) 7.

In Certain Automotive Catalytic Converters,one Step Involves the Catalyzed Reduction