Ask Me Help Desk - Balancing Chemical Equations

Quote:

what is the name of the equation, and how do I balance the following:

NaCl +F2 - NaFCl

H2 + O2 - H2O

AgNO3 + MgCl2

$NaCl + F_2 \rightarrow NaFCl$

First, balance the metal (Na). As written, it's already balanced -- one Na on the left and one on the right. Then, look at the Cl. Again, as written, there's one on the left and one on the right. Finally, look at the F. You have two on the left, but only one on the right. Since the one on the left is an F2 molecule, take half a mole

$NaCl + \frac 12 F_2 \rightarrow NaFCl$

That's balanced. If you (or the teacher) don't like the 1/2, multiply everything by two:

$2NaCl + F_2 \rightarrow 2NaFCl$

That's also balanced.

You try it with

$H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O$

and

$AgNO_3 + MgCl_2 \rightarrow Mg(NO_3)_2 + AgCl$

Hint on the last one: Treat the "NO3" group as an inseparable entity (as if it were one atom).

I have no idea what you mean by "What is the name of the equation?". I guess I could name the equations after the three stooges, Curly, Larry, and Moe, and call the first equation Curly, the second equation Larry, and the third equation Moe, but I expect the assignment called for something else.