What is wrong with this ionic equation and what is the correct way to write it?
Cl2(aq)+ 2K+(aq)+2Br(aq)->Br2(aq)+ K+(aq)+ 2Cl-(aq)
The given ionic equation Cl2(aq) + 2K+(aq) + 2Br(aq) -> Br2(aq) + K+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) is not balanced correctly. To balance it, you need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.
First, let's balance the bromine (Br) atoms by placing a coefficient of 2 in front of KBr on the reactant side:
Cl2(aq) + 2K+(aq) + 2Br(aq) -> Br2(aq) + 2K+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq)
Now, both the chlorine (Cl) and potassium (K) atoms are balanced since there are 2 each on both sides.
However, the ionic equation still requires balancing the charges. To do this, you need to eliminate the spectator ions, which are ions that don't participate in the overall reaction. The potassium ions (K+) are the same on both sides, so you can eliminate them:
Cl2(aq) + 2Br(aq) -> Br2(aq) + 2Cl-(aq)
This is the balanced ionic equation.
To balance an ionic equation, you need to follow these steps:
1. Balance the number of atoms of each element.
2. Balance the charges on both sides of the equation by considering the transfer of electrons.
3. Eliminate any spectator ions that are present on both sides.
By following these steps, you can correctly write and balance an ionic equation.