Question:
Determine which substances should be inserted instead of the question mark in the equation: H₂ + Cl₂ = ?
Chemical reaction solution
This is a combination reaction between hydrogen (H₂) and chlorine (Cl₂). The result is hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid).
Answer: H₂ + Cl₂ = 2HCl
🧪 Determining the type of reaction
Hydrogen (H₂) and chlorine (Cl₂) are simple substances consisting of identical atoms. When they interact, a complex substance, hydrogen chloride (HCl), is formed. This is a typical combination reaction.
⚗️ Determining the reaction product
Hydrogen has a valency of I, and chlorine also has a valency of I. When combined, they form HCl - hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution).
⚖️ Balancing the chemical equation
Initial equation: H₂ + Cl₂ → HCl
- Left side: 2 hydrogen atoms, 2 chlorine atoms
- Right side in HCl: 1 hydrogen atom, 1 chlorine atom
- To balance, a coefficient of 2 must be placed before HCl
Balanced equation: H₂ + Cl₂ = 2HCl
Visual demonstration of the reaction
The diagram shows how atoms rearrange during a chemical reaction
Reaction outcome:
Two molecules of hydrogen chloride are formed from one molecule of hydrogen and one molecule of chlorine
🎯 Practical significance
- HCl is used in industry for metal cleaning
- Hydrochloric acid is used in the food industry
- HCl is involved in digestion in the human stomach
- Used to obtain metal chlorides
