Final answer:
The chemical equation SiCl4 + H2O = SiO2 + HCl is balanced as SiCl4 + 4H2O = SiO2 + 4HCl, highlighting that silicon tetrachloride is a covalent tetrahedral molecule and is nonpolar, with a low boiling point and colorless appearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking for help with balancing a chemical equation that involves the reaction between silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) and water (H2O) to produce silicon dioxide (SiO2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). To balance this reaction, we need to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
SiCl4 + 4H2O = SiO2 + 4HCl
Silicon tetrachloride is a covalent tetrahedral molecule, and it is important to note that it is a nonpolar, low-boiling (57 °C), and colorless liquid.