When balancing the following equation, what is the coefficient for KCl?
KI + Cl2 à KCl + I2
1
To balance the equation:
1. Count the atoms on both sides of the equation.
- On the left side, there is 1 K and 1 I.
- On the right side, there is 1 K and 1 I as well.
- For chlorine (Cl), there is no Cl on the left side and 2 Cl on the right side.
2. Start by balancing the atoms that appear in the fewest places. In this case, we start with Cl.
- To balance the Cl atoms, add a coefficient of 2 in front of KCl on the right side of the equation.
The balanced equation becomes: 2KI + Cl2 → 2KCl + I2
So, the coefficient for KCl is 2.