Question

Is the following equation balanced? If not, how would you balance it? Mg(s)+HCI(aq)→MgCl2

Answer 1

Answer:

Actual reaction....

Mg + HCl ---- --} MgCl2 + H2

Balanced form...

Mg + 2HCl ----} MgCl2 + H2

Answer 2

Answer:

This equation is not balanced. As the number of atoms on both the side is not equal and also you have not mentioned hydrogen gas along with magnesium chloride.

Explanation:

For balancing,

First write the equation and count the no. of atoms on both the sides.

Mg(s) + HCl (aq) ⇒ MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

L.H.S. (left hand side)  R.H.S. (right hand side)

Mg - 1                           Mg - 1

H - 1                              H - 2

Cl - 1                             Cl - 2

Now add constant against an element or compound with a no. through which you have to make it equal on both the sides. Like here, there is 1 Cl atom on L.H.S. and 2 on R.H.S. (also same is with H atoms) So we would add 2 against HCl to make it equal on both sides.

New equation -

Mg(s) + 2HCl (aq) ⇒ MgCl2 (aq) + H2(g)

Again write the atom table.

L.H.S.                             R.H.S.

Mg - 1                             Mg - 1

Cl - 2                              Cl - 2

H - 2                               H - 2

Thus, all the elements or compounds have equal no. of atoms on both the sides. Therefore, our equation is balanced.

Hope it helps:)