Balance the following equations. (a) SiCl 4 + H 2 O → SiO 2 + HCl

Hey everyone. We're asked to balance the following chemical reaction. We can start by counting the number of atoms we have on both sides. Starting off with our calcium in our react inside we have three of calcium, two of nitrogen, two of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Looking at our product side, we have one of calcium, one of nitrogen, five of hydrogen and two of oxygen. We can start off by balancing out our calcium by adding a three prior to our calcium hydroxide. When we do this, we end up with three of calcium, nine of hydrogen and six of oxygen. Looking at our nitrogen, we can balance this out by adding a two prior to our ammonia. When we add this to, we change our nitrogen into two And we also change our hydrogen from a nine into a 12. Now to finish off this question, we can balance off our hydrogen and oxygen by adding a six prior to our water. So we end up with 12 of hydrogen and six of oxygen and this will be our final balanced chemical equation. So I hope this made sense. And let us know if you have any questions

Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions

McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook

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McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions

Problem 40a

Chapter 3, Problem 40a

Balance the following equations. (a) SiCl₄ + H₂O → SiO₂ + HCl

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation: Si, Cl, H, and O.

Start by balancing the silicon (Si) atoms. There is 1 Si atom on both sides, so they are already balanced.

Next, balance the chlorine (Cl) atoms. There are 4 Cl atoms in SiCl_4, so you need 4 HCl molecules on the product side to balance the Cl atoms.

Now, balance the hydrogen (H) atoms. You have 4 H atoms in 4 HCl, so you need 2 H_2O molecules on the reactant side to provide 4 H atoms.

Finally, balance the oxygen (O) atoms. You have 2 O atoms in 2 H_2O, which matches the 2 O atoms in SiO_2. The equation is now balanced.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Coefficients are used to adjust the quantities of reactants and products to achieve balance.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions. It allows chemists to predict the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction based on the balanced equation. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for determining how much of each reactant is needed and how much product can be formed.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement. The reaction in the question is a hydrolysis reaction, where silicon tetrachloride reacts with water to produce silicon dioxide and hydrochloric acid. Recognizing the type of reaction helps in predicting the products and understanding the reaction mechanism.