18.2k views
2 votes
Balance the equation by using the correct coefficient: silicon dioxide + hydrofluoric acid produces silicon tetrafluoride +water

User Matt Wilko
by
7.0k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

SiO₂ + 4 HF -----> SiF₄ + 2 H₂O

Step-by-step explanation:

An equation is balanced when there is an equal amount of each element on both sides of the reaction. If these amounts are unequal, you can modify the quantities of particular molecules by adding coefficients.

silicon dioxide = SiO₂

hydrofluoric acid = HF

silicon tetrafluoride = SiF₄

water = H₂O

The unbalanced equation:

SiO₂ + HF -----> SiF₄ + H₂O

Reactants: 1 silicon, 2 oxygen, 1 hydrogen, 1 fluorine

Products: 1 silicon, 1 oxygen, 2 hydrogen, 4 fluorine

The balanced equation:

SiO₂ + 4 HF -----> SiF₄ + 2 H₂O

Reactants: 1 silicon, 2 oxygen, 4 hydrogen, 4 fluorine

Products: 1 silicon, 2 oxygen, 4 hydrogen, 4 fluorine

User Lars Kotthoff
by
6.2k points