If SiO_2 undergoes a double-displacement reaction with HF, what is the balanced equation?
SiO2 + 4HF ==> SiF4 + 2H2O
Thanks, DrBob222. I have a few more questions, could you help me?
We do our best. It would be nice if you would tell us what you don't understand about the problem and/or what you know or don't understand about it. That we can refine our answer to suit you.
To determine the balanced equation for the reaction between SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) and HF (hydrofluoric acid), you need to follow a few steps:
Step 1: Write the chemical formulas for the reactants and products.
SiO₂ + HF → ?
Step 2: Assign the oxidation states to determine the charges of the elements and ions involved in the reaction.
The oxidation state of silicon (Si) in SiO₂ is +4, and the oxidation state of oxygen (O) is -2.
The oxidation state of hydrogen (H) in HF is +1, and the oxidation state of fluorine (F) is -1.
Step 3: Determine the products of the reaction by swapping the elements between the reactants. Silicon will combine with fluorine, and oxygen will combine with hydrogen.
The products of the reaction are SiF₄ (silicon tetrafluoride) and H₂O (water):
SiO₂ + 4HF → SiF₄ + 2H₂O
Step 4: Balance the equation by adjusting the coefficients to ensure the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation.
The balanced equation is:
SiO₂ + 4HF → SiF₄ + 2H₂O
In this reaction, one molecule of silicon dioxide reacts with four molecules of hydrofluoric acid to produce one molecule of silicon tetrafluoride and two molecules of water.