Chemical combination reaction: H₂ + Cl₂ = ?

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

H
H
H₂
hydrogen
+
Cl
Cl
Cl₂
chlorine
reaction
H
Cl
HCl
H
Cl
HCl
2 molecules of hydrogen chloride
(hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution)

Reaction outcome:

H₂ + Cl₂ = 2HCl

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
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