Question

In the following reaction, what is the correct coefficient for aluminum chloride?

Answer 1

1) Chemical equation (unbalanced).

`Al_((s))+Cl_(2(g))\rightarrow AlCl_(3(s))`

List the elements in the reactants and in the products.

Reactants

Al: 1

Cl: 2

Products

Al: 1

Cl: 3

2) Balance Cl.

`Al_((s))+3Cl_(2(g))\rightarrow2AlCl_(3(s))`

Reactants

Al: 1

Cl: 6

Products

Al: 2

Cl: 6

3) Balance Al.

`2Al_((s))+3Cl_(2(g))\rightarrow2AlCl_(3(s))`

Reactants

Al: 2

Cl: 6

Products

Al: 2

Cl: 6

The correct coefficient for aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is 2.

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