Chemical Reactions

 Category: Describe Chemical Reactions

Balance the following chemical equation:

CH4 + Cl2 → CCl4 + HCl

To balance equations, it is helpful to write down the number of atoms of each element present in both the reactants and products. Change the coefficients of the reactants and products until the same number of atoms of each element is present on both sides of the reaction arrow.

CH4 + Cl2 → CCl4 + HCl

C: 1     C: 1
H: 4     H: 1
Cl: 2    Cl: 5

CH4 + Cl2 → CCl4 + 4 HCl
C: 1    C: 1
H: 4    H: 4
Cl: 2   Cl: 5

CH4 + 4 Cl2 → CCl4 + 4 HCl
C: 1    C: 1
H: 4    H: 4
Cl: 8  Cl: 8

1. Carbon (C):

   • 1 carbon atom on both sides → balanced.

2. Hydrogen (H):

   • Left side: 4 H atoms from CH₄.

   • Right side: Each HCl contains 1 H, so need 4 HCl to balance.

3. Chlorine (Cl):

   • Right side: 4 Cl in CCl₄ + 4 Cl in 4 HCl = 8 Cl atoms total.

   • Cl₂ molecule contains 2 Cl atoms → need 4 Cl₂ to get 8 Cl atoms.

•  2 CH4 + Cl2 → 2 CCl4 + HCl
•  CH4 + Cl2 → CCl4 + HCl
•  2 CH4 + 2 Cl2 → 2 CCl4 + 2 HCl
•  CH4 + 4 Cl2 → CCl4 + 4 HCl