Final answer:
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between NiF₂ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ to form NiSO₄ and FeF₃ is 3NiF₂(aq) + Fe₂(SO₄)₃(aq) → 3NiSO₄(aq) + FeF₃(s).
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance the chemical equation NiF₂(aq) + Fe₂(SO₄)₃(aq) → NiSO₄(aq) + FeF₃(s), we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is equal to the number on the product side. First, let's list the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products:
- Ni (Nickel): 1 atom on both sides
- F (Fluorine): 2 atoms in NiF₂, 3 atoms in FeF₃
- Fe (Iron): 2 atoms in Fe₂(SO₄)₃, 1 atom in FeF₃
- S (Sulfur): 3 atoms in Fe₂(SO₄)₃, 1 atom in NiSO₄
- O (Oxygen):12 atoms in Fe₂(SO₄)₃, 4 atoms in NiSO₄
To balance the equation, we must equalize the number of atoms for each element. Here's the balanced equation:
3NiF₂(aq) + Fe₂(SO₄)₃(aq) → 3NiSO₄(aq) + FeF₃(s)
This indicates that we need 3 moles of NiF₂ for every 1 mole of Fe₂(SO₄)₃ to react completely and form 3 moles of NiSO₄ and 1 mole of FeF₃ solid.