Write a balanced equation assuming iron oxidizes to iron (II). I used CuCl_2 in the experiment.
Fe+CuCl2>>FeCl2 + Cu
Calculate the percent yield of copper
Fe+CuCl2-->FeCl2+Cu
To write a balanced equation for the reaction between iron and copper(II) chloride (CuCl₂), we first need to understand the chemical properties and valence states of the elements involved.
Iron can oxidize to two different valence states: iron(II) and iron(III). In this case, you mentioned that iron oxidizes to iron(II), which means it gains two electrons.
Copper(II) chloride consists of a copper ion with a 2+ charge (Cu²⁺) and two chloride ions with a 1- charge (Cl⁻).
Now that we have understood the valence states, we can write the balanced equation by following these steps:
1. Write the unbalanced equation:
Fe + CuCl₂ →
2. Write the oxidation states of each element above its symbol:
Fe (0) + Cu²⁺ (0) + 2Cl⁻ (0) →
3. Write the oxidation states of each element after the reaction:
Fe²⁺ (+2) + Cu (0) + 2Cl⁻ (0) →
4. Balance the equation by adding coefficients to balance the atoms on each side:
2Fe + 3CuCl₂ → 2FeCl₃ + 3Cu
So, the balanced equation, assuming iron oxidizes to iron(II), when reacting with copper(II) chloride, is:
2Fe + 3CuCl₂ → 2FeCl₃ + 3Cu