calcium metal (Ca) can be produced by passing an electric current through molten calcium chloride. chlorine gas is also formed. what is the balanced equation for this reaction
CaCl2 + 2e- → Ca + 2Cl-
The balanced equation for the production of calcium metal by passing an electric current through molten calcium chloride is:
2CaCl2(l) -> 2Ca(s) + Cl2(g)
In this reaction, two moles of calcium chloride produce two moles of calcium metal and one mole of chlorine gas.
To determine the balanced equation for this reaction, we need to consider the conservation of mass and charge. Here's how we can approach it step-by-step:
Step 1: Identify the reactants and products.
The reactants are calcium chloride (CaCl2) and an electric current. The products are calcium metal (Ca) and chlorine gas (Cl2).
Step 2: Write the unbalanced equation.
CaCl2 + electric current → Ca + Cl2
Step 3: Balance the equation.
Since there is only one calcium atom on the product side, we need to place a coefficient of 1 before CaCl2. This gives us:
CaCl2 + electric current → Ca + Cl2
Since there are now two chlorine atoms on the product side, we need to balance the chlorine atoms on the reactant side as well. This can be done by placing a coefficient of 2 before HCl:
CaCl2 + electric current → Ca + Cl2
The balanced equation for this reaction is:
CaCl2 + 2 electric current → 2 Ca + Cl2