Question

Balance the following equations by writing the coefficients in the space provided. Then classify each of the following reactions by writing the name of the type of reaction on the line. Choose from synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and combustion___FeCl3 + ___NaOH → ___Fe(OH)3 + ___NaCl _________________

Answer 1

To balance the equation we start by counting the number of atoms we have of each element on each side of the reaction.

Reagents side:

Fe = 1 atom

Cl= 3 atoms

Na=1 atom

O=1 atom

H= 1atom

Products side:

Fe = 1 atom

Cl= 1 atom

Na=1 atom

O= 3 atoms

H= 3 atoms

Let's start with chlorine, we have 3 chlorine atoms on the reactant side and 1 on the product side. So we will put the coefficient 3 in the NaCl molecule to balance the chlorine.

`Fe_{}Cl_3+Na_{}OH\rightarrow Fe(OH)_3+3NaCl`

Now, we will have:

Reagents side:

Fe = 1 atom

Cl= 3 atoms

Na=1 atom

O=1 atom

H= 1atom

Products side:

Fe = 1 atom

Cl= 3 atom

Na= 3 atom

O= 3 atoms

H= 3 atoms

Now, we balance the Na, we have 1 atom of Na in the reactants and 3 in the products. We then put coefficient 3 in the NaOH molecule.

`Fe_{}Cl_3+3Na_{}OH\rightarrow Fe(OH)_3+3NaCl`

We have now the equation balanced:

Reagents side:

Fe = 1 atom

Cl= 3 atoms

Na=3 atoms

O=3 atoms

H= 3 atoms

Products side:

Fe = 1 atom

Cl= 3 atom

Na= 3 atom

O= 3 atoms

H= 3 atoms

We have the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the reaction.

Now, in the reaction we can notice that Cl and OH happen to substitute the place of the other, therefore, this reaction will be a double replacement reaction.