Which of the following is the correctly balanced chemical equation for the reaction between BaCl2 and MgSO4?

• A. BaCl2 + MgSO4 → BaSO4 + MgCl
• B. BaCl2 + MgSO4 → BaSO4 + MgCl2O
• C. BaCl2 + MgSO4 → BaSO4 + Mg2Cl2
• D. BaCl2 + MgSO4 → BaSO4 + MgCl2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the given reaction: BaCl2 (barium chloride) reacts with MgSO4 (magnesium sulfate) to form BaSO4 (barium sulfate) and MgCl2 (magnesium chloride).
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: \(\text{BaCl}_2 + \text{MgSO}_4 \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4 + \text{MgCl}_2\).
3. Check the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation to ensure they are equal. Count Ba, Cl, Mg, and SO4 groups on reactants and products.
4. Since each compound is already in a 1:1 ratio and the atoms balance (1 Ba, 2 Cl, 1 Mg, 1 SO4 on both sides), the equation is balanced as written.
5. Confirm that the charges and formulas of all species are correct, ensuring the products and reactants are chemically reasonable and consistent with known compounds.