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
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