write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when water is added to anhydrous BaCl2.
would it be BaCl2+2H2o --> BaCl2+2H2O
We normally write the hydrated material with a . or a * on the computer (as in BaCl2.2H2O or BaCl2*H2O. In REAL life, the . should be in the middle of the line and not at the bottom or top. But I can't do that on this machine.
To write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when water is added to anhydrous BaCl2 (Barium chloride), you need to consider the chemical formula of each compound and preserve the law of conservation of mass.
The correct balanced equation for the reaction would be:
BaCl2 + 2H2O -> BaCl2 * 2H2O
Explanation:
1. Start by writing the chemical formula of the reactants:
- Anhydrous Barium chloride: BaCl2
- Water: H2O
2. In the equation, the number of atoms of each element on both sides must be equal. Let's balance the equation step by step:
Atoms on the left side:
- Barium (Ba): 1 atom
- Chlorine (Cl): 2 atoms
- Hydrogen (H): 2 atoms
- Oxygen (O): 1 atom
Atoms on the right side:
- Barium (Ba): 1 atom
- Chlorine (Cl): 2 atoms
- Hydrogen (H): 4 atoms (2 on each water molecule)
- Oxygen (O): 2 atoms (2 on each water molecule)
3. Balance the number of atoms by adjusting the coefficients:
By placing a coefficient of 2 in front of the water molecule on the left side, we have 2 hydrogen atoms on both sides:
BaCl2 + 2H2O -> BaCl2 * 2H2O
Now the equation is balanced, with the same number of atoms on both sides.
Therefore, the balanced chemical equation for the reaction when water is added to anhydrous BaCl2 is:
BaCl2 + 2H2O -> BaCl2 * 2H2O