What is the balanced equation for Ba(OH)2 + HCl?
Ba(OH)2 + 2HCl ==> BaCl2 + 2H2O
To find the balanced equation for the reaction between Ba(OH)2 (barium hydroxide) and HCl (hydrochloric acid), we need to determine the products formed when these two substances react.
When an acid reacts with a base, they undergo a neutralization reaction, resulting in the formation of water and a salt. In this case, barium chloride (BaCl2) and water (H2O) are the expected products.
Now, let's balance the equation step by step:
1. Write the unbalanced equation:
Ba(OH)2 + HCl → BaCl2 + H2O
2. Balance the barium (Ba) atoms on both sides by placing the coefficient 2 in front of BaCl2:
Ba(OH)2 + HCl → 2BaCl2 + H2O
3. Balance the hydrogen (H) atoms by placing the coefficient 2 in front of H2O:
Ba(OH)2 + 2HCl → 2BaCl2 + 2H2O
4. Balance the chlorine (Cl) atoms by placing the coefficient 2 in front of HCl:
Ba(OH)2 + 2HCl → 2BaCl2 + 2H2O
5. Finally, check that all the elements are balanced:
On the left side: 1 Ba, 2 H, 2 Cl, 4 O
On the right side: 2 Ba, 2 H, 4 Cl, 4 O
Both sides have an equal number of atoms for each element, so the balanced equation for Ba(OH)2 + HCl is:
Ba(OH)2 + 2HCl → 2BaCl2 + 2H2O