What reaction illustrates $\Delta H^\circ_\mathrm f$ for $\ce{CaCO3}$? Answer: $\ce{Ca(s) + C(s) + 3/2O2(g) -> CaCO3(s)}$. Ok so why isn't it: $\ce{2Ca(s) + 2C(s) + 3O2(g) -> 2CaCO3}$ Or $\ce{Ca(s) + C(s) + O3(g) -> CaCO3}$ ? For example in another similar question: Choose the reaction that illustrates $\Delta H^\circ_\mathrm f$ for $\ce{Ca(NO3)2}$. Answer: $\ce{Ca(s) + N2(g) + 3 O2(g) -> Ca(NO3)2(s)}$ Can someone confirm this assumption of mine: it's ok to use fractions in these types of equations to blance it out as long as it's in oxygen's coefficient. As that assumption correct?