The two molecules that best complete the reactants' side of the equation[tex]CO_2[/tex] + 2[tex]H_2O[/tex] are [tex]O_2[/tex] and CO.
The correct answer would be [tex]O_2[/tex] and CO.
Based on the partial chemical equation provided, [tex]CO_2[/tex] + 2[tex]H_2O[/tex], we need to select two molecules that complete the reactants' side of the equation while also considering the conservation of mass. Let's evaluate the given options:
1. [tex]NaCl_3[/tex]: This compound, sodium trichloride, does not contain carbon (C) or oxygen (O) atoms, which are required to balance the equation. Therefore, [tex]NaCl_3[/tex] is not a suitable choice.
2. [tex]HS_4[/tex]: This compound, hydrogen tetrasulfide, also does not contain carbon (C) or oxygen (O) atoms necessary to balance the equation. Hence, [tex]HS_4[/tex] is not the correct choice.
3. [tex]CH_4[/tex]: This molecule, methane, consists of one carbon atom (C) and four hydrogen atoms (H). It contains carbon but lacks oxygen atoms required for balancing the equation. Thus, [tex]CH_4[/tex] does not complete the reactants' side.
4. [tex]O_2[/tex]: Oxygen gas (diatomic oxygen) is represented by[tex]O_2[/tex]. It contains two oxygen atoms, which helps balance the equation since there are two oxygen atoms on the product side (2[tex]H_2O[/tex]). [tex]O_2[/tex] is a valid choice for completing the reactants' side.
Considering the conservation of mass, we still need a molecule that contains carbon. Among the given options, CO is the only molecule that consists of one carbon atom (C) and one oxygen atom (O). By adding CO to the reactants' side, we balance both carbon and oxygen atoms in the equation.
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