Concord High School Chemistry

Balancing Equations Online Help

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Practice Problems Here:

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Practice Problem #1:

Mn + AgCl -->

Answer to Practice Problem #1:

1. Identify the type of reaction.

Single-replacement reaction.

Mn²⁺ is a cation, so it will switch with Ag⁺ (also a cation).

Mn + AgCl -->

2. Write out the products of the chemical reaction.

Switch the cations, since this is single-replacement:

Mn + AgCl --> Ag + Mn Cl

Then write the formulas of the products based on their charges.

Ag is a neutral metal, so the formula is still Ag.

Mn = +2, Cl = -1, so the formula is MnCl₂.

Mn + AgCl --> Ag + MnCl₂

3. Balance the equation.

Mn + AgCl --> Ag + MnCl₂

The number of Mn atoms is equal on both sides (both have 1).

The number of Ag atoms is equal on both sides (both have 1).

Next, there is 1 Cl atom on the left and 2 on the right, so balance.

Mn + 2AgCl --> Ag + MnCl₂

But, that makes the atoms of Ag unequal so balance those.

Mn + 2AgCl --> 2Ag + MnCl₂

Last, double check that all numbers of atoms of each element is equal.

Answer to Problem: Mn + 2AgCl --> 2Ag + MnCl₂