Select The Correct Answer.A Chemist Is Working On A Reaction Represented By This Chemical Equation:$\[ \text{FeCl}_2 + 2 \text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{Fe(OH)}_2 + 2 \text{KCl} \\]If The Chemist Uses 4.15 Moles Of Iron(II) Chloride And 3.62

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Chemical equations are a crucial part of chemistry, representing the reactions between different substances. However, these equations are not always balanced, which can lead to incorrect conclusions and misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore the concept of balancing chemical equations, using the given equation as an example.

Understanding the Chemical Equation

The given chemical equation is:

FeCl2+2KOH→Fe(OH)2+2KCl{ \text{FeCl}_2 + 2 \text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{Fe(OH)}_2 + 2 \text{KCl} }

This equation represents a reaction between iron(II) chloride (FeCl2) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), resulting in the formation of iron(II) hydroxide (Fe(OH)2) and potassium chloride (KCl).

The Importance of Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.

Step 1: Count the Number of Atoms

To balance the equation, we need to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Reactant side:

  • Fe: 1
  • Cl: 2
  • K: 2
  • O: 2

Product side:

  • Fe: 1
  • Cl: 2
  • K: 2
  • O: 4

Step 2: Identify the Imbalance

Comparing the number of atoms on both sides, we can see that the product side has an extra 2 oxygen atoms. This means that the equation is not balanced.

Step 3: Balance the Equation

To balance the equation, we need to add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products. In this case, we can add a coefficient of 2 in front of Fe(OH)2 to balance the oxygen atoms.

FeCl2+2KOH→2Fe(OH)2+2KCl{ \text{FeCl}_2 + 2 \text{KOH} \rightarrow 2 \text{Fe(OH)}_2 + 2 \text{KCl} }

Step 4: Check the Balance

Now that we have added the coefficient, let's re-count the number of atoms on both sides of the equation.

Reactant side:

  • Fe: 1
  • Cl: 2
  • K: 2
  • O: 2

Product side:

  • Fe: 2
  • Cl: 2
  • K: 2
  • O: 4

The equation is now balanced, and the law of conservation of mass is obeyed.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed and that the equation is balanced. In the next section, we will apply this knowledge to the given problem.

Given Problem

A chemist is working on a reaction represented by the chemical equation:

FeCl2+2KOH→Fe(OH)2+2KCl{ \text{FeCl}_2 + 2 \text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{Fe(OH)}_2 + 2 \text{KCl} }

If the chemist uses 4.15 moles of iron(II) chloride and 3.62 moles of potassium hydroxide, how many moles of iron(II) hydroxide will be formed?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to use the balanced equation and the given amounts of reactants.

From the balanced equation, we can see that 1 mole of FeCl2 reacts with 2 moles of KOH to form 1 mole of Fe(OH)2.

Let's use the given amounts of reactants to find the number of moles of Fe(OH)2 formed.

Number of moles of FeCl2 = 4.15 mol Number of moles of KOH = 3.62 mol

Since the ratio of FeCl2 to KOH is 1:2, we can divide the number of moles of KOH by 2 to find the number of moles of FeCl2 that reacted.

Number of moles of FeCl2 that reacted = 3.62 mol / 2 = 1.81 mol

Now, we can use the balanced equation to find the number of moles of Fe(OH)2 formed.

Number of moles of Fe(OH)2 formed = 1.81 mol

Therefore, the chemist will form 1.81 moles of iron(II) hydroxide.

Answer

The correct answer is 1.81 moles of iron(II) hydroxide.

Discussion

This problem requires the application of balancing chemical equations and stoichiometry. The chemist needs to use the balanced equation and the given amounts of reactants to find the number of moles of Fe(OH)2 formed.

In this case, the chemist used 4.15 moles of FeCl2 and 3.62 moles of KOH. By using the balanced equation, we can see that 1 mole of FeCl2 reacts with 2 moles of KOH to form 1 mole of Fe(OH)2.

Therefore, the number of moles of Fe(OH)2 formed is 1.81 moles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed and that the equation is balanced.

In the given problem, the chemist used 4.15 moles of FeCl2 and 3.62 moles of KOH. By using the balanced equation, we can see that 1 mole of FeCl2 reacts with 2 moles of KOH to form 1 mole of Fe(OH)2.

In the previous article, we discussed the importance of balancing chemical equations and provided a step-by-step guide on how to balance a chemical equation. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to balancing chemical equations.

Q: What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

A: The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. By balancing the equation, we can ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.

Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced?

A: To determine if a chemical equation is balanced, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. If the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides, then the equation is balanced.

Q: What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?

A: A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. An unbalanced chemical equation has a different number of atoms of each element on the reactant and product sides.

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation?

A: To balance a chemical equation, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Write the unbalanced equation.
  2. Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
  3. Identify the elements that are not balanced.
  4. Add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products to balance the equation.
  5. Check the balance by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:

  • Not counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
  • Adding coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products without checking the balance.
  • Not checking the balance after adding coefficients.
  • Not using the correct coefficients to balance the equation.

Q: How do I know which coefficients to use when balancing a chemical equation?

A: To determine which coefficients to use when balancing a chemical equation, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. You can then use the coefficients to balance the equation.

Q: Can I use a computer program to balance a chemical equation?

A: Yes, you can use a computer program to balance a chemical equation. There are many computer programs available that can balance chemical equations, including online tools and software programs.

Q: How do I check the balance of a chemical equation?

A: To check the balance of a chemical equation, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. If the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides, then the equation is balanced.

Q: What is the significance of balancing chemical equations in real-world applications?

A: Balancing chemical equations is significant in real-world applications because it helps to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. This is important in many fields, including chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed and that the equation is balanced. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with a better understanding of balancing chemical equations and how to apply this knowledge in real-world applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?
  • How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced?
  • What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?
  • How do I balance a chemical equation?
  • What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?
  • How do I know which coefficients to use when balancing a chemical equation?
  • Can I use a computer program to balance a chemical equation?
  • How do I check the balance of a chemical equation?
  • What is the significance of balancing chemical equations in real-world applications?

Answers

  • The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed.
  • To determine if a chemical equation is balanced, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.
  • A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.
  • To balance a chemical equation, you need to follow these steps: write the unbalanced equation, count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides, identify the elements that are not balanced, add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products to balance the equation, and check the balance.
  • Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include not counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation, adding coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products without checking the balance, not checking the balance after adding coefficients, and not using the correct coefficients to balance the equation.
  • To determine which coefficients to use when balancing a chemical equation, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.
  • Yes, you can use a computer program to balance a chemical equation.
  • To check the balance of a chemical equation, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.
  • Balancing chemical equations is significant in real-world applications because it helps to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed.