Final answer:
The correct balanced equation for the reaction of hydrogen with chlorine to form hydrogen chloride is H₂ + Cl₂ → 2HCl, which is option A. It reflects the 1:1 stoichiometric ratio and balances the number of hydrogen and chlorine atoms on both sides of the equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked how to balance the chemical equation for the reaction of hydrogen (H2) with chlorine (Cl2) to form hydrogen chloride (HCl). The correct balanced chemical equation for this reaction is H2 + Cl2 → 2HCl, meaning that 1 mole of hydrogen gas reacts with 1 mole of chlorine gas to produce 2 moles of hydrogen chloride gas. Looking at the options provided: