Final answer:
To balance the chemical equation Cl₂ + KI → KCl + I₂, you need to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides is the same. The balanced chemical equation is Cl₂ + 2 KI → 2 KCl + I₂.
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance the given chemical equation Cl₂ + KI → KCl + I₂, you need to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is the same. Here's how you can balance it:
- Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
- In this equation, there are 2 chlorine (Cl) atoms on the left side and 2 chlorine (Cl) atoms on the right side. So, the chlorine (Cl) is already balanced.
- Next, balance the potassium (K) atoms. On the left side, there is 1 potassium (K) atom, and on the right side, there is also 1 potassium (K) atom. So, the potassium (K) is already balanced.
- Finally, balance the iodine (I) atoms. On the left side, there are 2 iodine (I) atoms, and on the right side, there are also 2 iodine (I) atoms. So, the iodine (I) is already balanced.
Therefore, the balanced chemical equation is Cl₂ + 2 KI → 2 KCl + I₂.