Question

Balance the chemical equation: HClO₃(aq) + HBr(aq) → HCl(aq) + Br₂(g) + H₂O(l)

a. 6, 10, 6, 5, 3
b. 3, 5, 6, 10, 6
c. 6, 5, 6, 10, 3
d. 5, 6, 3, 10, 6

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for HClO₃(aq) + HBr(aq) → HCl(aq) + Br₂(g) + H₂O(l) is achieved by ensuring each element has the same number of atoms on both sides, resulting in the coefficients 6, 5, 6, 10, and 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the chemical equation HClO₃(aq) + HBr(aq) → HCl(aq) + Br₂(g) + H₂O(l), you must ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Following the guidelines for balancing chemical equations, here is the correct way to balance this equation:

1. Write down the unbalanced chemical equation.
2. List the number of atoms for each element present in the unbalanced equation.
3. Determine which elements are unbalanced.
4. Balance the atoms in the equation by adjusting the coefficients.
5. Check to ensure all elements are balanced, and adjust if necessary.

Using these steps, we find that the correct coefficients for the balanced equation are: 6, 5, 6, 10, 3. Therefore, the balanced chemical equation is 6HClO₃(aq) + 5HBr(aq) → 6HCl(aq) + 10Br₂(g) + 3H₂O(l). This corresponds with option c. 6, 5, 6, 10, 3.