Suppose that a balanced chemical reaction contains water molecules (in different numbers) on both sides of the reaction arrow. Which of the following correctly describes how the reaction can be reduced? Choose 1 answer: (A) Water can be removed from one side. (B) Water is a catalyst, and can thus be removed completely from both sides. (C) The reaction can be simplified so that there is only one water molecule on at least one side. Water can be removed

To determine how a balanced chemical reaction containing water molecules on both sides can be reduced, let's analyze the options provided: (A) **Water can be removed from one side.** - This statement is incorrect because removing water from one side would unbalance the reaction. In a balanced chemical equation, the number of each type of molecule must be the same on both sides of the equation. (B) **Water is a catalyst, and can thus be removed completely from both sides.** - This statement is also incorrect. While water can act as a solvent or a medium in some reactions, it is not a catalyst in the context of all reactions. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed, and water is often a reactant or product in many reactions. (C) **The reaction can be simplified so that there is only one water molecule on at least one side. Water can be removed.** - This statement is correct. In some cases, if there are multiple water molecules on both sides of the reaction, the equation can be simplified by reducing the number of water molecules while maintaining the balance of the reaction. This means that you can express the reaction with fewer water molecules, as long as the overall stoichiometry remains balanced. Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: **(C) The reaction can be simplified so that there is only one water molecule on at least one side. Water can be removed.**