Question
Aluminium reacts with chlorine to form aluminium chloride. Write the balanced equation for this reaction. __ (3)
Answer
4.3
(246 Votes)
Bronwen
Expert · Tutor for 3 years
Answer
Step 1: Understand the given informationIn this reaction, aluminium (Al) reacts with chlorine (Cl₂) to produce aluminium chloride (AlCl₃). The problem is to balance this equation.Step 2: To balance the equation, we would need to ensure a similar count of every atom on either side.The unbalanced equation: Al + Cl₂ ⟶ AlCl₃On the reactant side (left), there is one Al and two Cl; on the product side (right), we have one Al and three Cl.Step 3: To achieve a balanced state, equalize the number of Cl atoms on either side. Since we've 3 Cl atoms on the product side (right) and only 2 Cl atoms on the reactant side (left), to balance out, we multiply the whole Chlorine molecule (including the subscript) with 3/2 and multiply the whole product by 2. 2Al + 3Cl₂ ⟶ 2AlCl₃Replace 3/2 (which is 1.5 and a-half molecule does not exist) with 3 and multiply the Aluminium and chlorine molecule by 2 from the reactant side. Step 4: RecapThe equation now appears balanced, with 2 Al atoms and 6 Cl atoms on either side f the equation.【Answer】The balanced chemical equation for the given reaction: 2Al + 3Cl₂ ⟶ 2AlCl₃This means when two molecules of Aluminium react with 3 molecules of Chlorine, it yields two molecules of Aluminium Chloride.