Question

Write the equilibrium equation between elemental hydrogen and elemental chlorine as reactants and hydrochloric acid as the product.

Short answer

The balanced equation is \( \text{H}_2 + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{HCl} \).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Reactants and Product

The reactants in this chemical equation are elemental hydrogen (H₂) and elemental chlorine (Cl₂). The product of the reaction is hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Write the Unbalanced Chemical Equation

Start by writing the unbalanced chemical equation using the chemical formulas identified:\[ \text{H}_2 + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow \text{HCl} \]

Balance the Chemical Equation

Determine the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Currently, we have 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 chlorine atoms on the reactant side, and only 1 hydrogen and 1 chlorine atom on the product side.To balance the equation, we need 2 hydrochloric acid molecules to ensure the same number of hydrogen and chlorine atoms on both sides:\[ \text{H}_2 + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{HCl} \]

Confirm the Balanced Equation

Check that the equation is balanced by verifying the atom count on each side. We now have: - Reactant Side: 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 chlorine atoms - Product Side: 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 chlorine atoms The equation is balanced.

Key concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

In the realm of chemistry, equations are used to represent chemical reactions. Balancing chemical equations is crucial because it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is adhered to. Simply put, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.

Let's break down the steps:

• Identify the number of each type of atom present in the reactants and the products.
• Adjust the coefficients - the numbers placed before the chemical formulas - to ensure the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides.
• Remember, only coefficients can be changed to balance the equation, not the subscripts in the chemical formulas.
• Finally, always double-check your work by counting the atoms again to confirm that the equation is indeed balanced.

Balancing equations not only respects natural laws but lays the groundwork for predicting reaction outcomes accurately.

Reactants and Products

Reactants and products form the backbone of any chemical reaction. They are what we have before and after the reaction takes place, respectively. In a chemical reaction, the reactants are transformed into products.

For example, in the given exercise involving hydrochloric acid, the reactants are elemental hydrogen (\( ext{H}_2\)) and elemental chlorine (\( ext{Cl}_2\)). These elements react to form a new compound known as hydrochloric acid (\( ext{HCl}\)).

• Reactants: Substances you start with. They undergo a transformation during the reaction.
• Products: Substances you end with. They are different from the reactants in terms of composition and properties.

Understanding the nature of reactants and products helps predict the changes in a chemical reaction and calculate yields.

Hydrochloric Acid Formation

Hydrochloric acid is a simple yet strong acid that forms when hydrogen gas reacts with chlorine gas. The formation of hydrochloric acid from elemental hydrogen and chlorine is a straightforward chemical synthesis.

The reaction is represented by the equation:\[\text{H}_2 + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{HCl} \]This equation describes how two molecules of hydrochloric acid are produced from one molecule of hydrogen and one molecule of chlorine by proper balancing.

• Hydrogen and Chlorine Bonding: When hydrogen and chlorine come into contact, they bond covalently to form hydrochloric acid.
• Properties: Hydrochloric acid is known for its strong corrosive nature and is widely used in industrial applications.

It's fascinating how two simple gases can combine under the right conditions to produce such a vital industrial chemical.