Complete and balance the equation for this single displacement reaction. Phases are optional
balanced equation:
Ba + HCI
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Balanced Equation:
[
\text{Ba} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{BaCl}_2 + \text{H}_2
]
Explanation:
This reaction is an example of a single displacement reaction, where one element replaces another in a compound. In this case, barium (Ba), a reactive alkaline earth metal, displaces hydrogen (H) from hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form barium chloride (BaCl₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂).
Step-by-Step Balancing:
- Identify the reactants and products:
- Reactants: Barium (Ba) and hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Products: Barium chloride (BaCl₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂)
- Write the unbalanced equation:
[
\text{Ba} + \text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{BaCl}_2 + \text{H}_2
] - Balance chlorine (Cl):
- In HCl, there is 1 Cl atom per molecule.
- In BaCl₂, there are 2 Cl atoms.
- To balance, we need 2 HCl molecules on the reactant side:
[
\text{Ba} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{BaCl}_2 + \text{H}_2
]
- Balance hydrogen (H):
- The left side has 2 H atoms from 2 HCl molecules.
- The right side has 2 H atoms in H₂ gas.
- Hydrogen is already balanced.
- Check barium (Ba):
- One Ba atom is present on both sides, so it is balanced.
Since all elements are balanced, the final balanced chemical equation is:
[
\text{Ba} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{BaCl}_2 + \text{H}_2
]
Reaction Type and Properties:
- This is a redox reaction: Barium loses electrons (oxidation) while hydrogen gains electrons (reduction).
- Barium chloride (BaCl₂) is an ionic compound that dissolves in water.
- Hydrogen gas (H₂) is released as bubbles, making the reaction observable.