What is the balanced equation for a reaction of iron with chlorine?
To determine the balanced equation for the reaction of iron with chlorine, we need to follow a step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation based on the given reaction. In this case, iron reacts with chlorine:
Fe + Cl2 →
Step 2: Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Start by noting the number of Fe (iron) atoms. There is only one on the left side, so we write it on the right side:
Fe + Cl2 → Fe
Next, count the number of Cl (chlorine) atoms. There are two on the right side, so we write Cl2 on the left side:
Fe + Cl2 → Fe + Cl2
Step 3: Check if the equation is balanced. Count the total number of atoms on both sides. On the left-hand side, we have: 1 Fe + 2 Cl. On the right-hand side, we have: 1 Fe + 2 Cl.
Since the number of atoms is the same on both sides, we can conclude that the equation is already balanced.
Therefore, the balanced equation for the reaction of iron with chlorine is:
Fe + Cl2 → FeCl2