Balance Br₂ + KI → KBr + I₂
Br₂(aq) + 2 KI(aq) → 2 KBr(aq) + I₂(aq)
Balance an equation
Br₂(aq)+2KI(aq)→2KBr(aq)+I₂(aq)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| Br | 2:1 | 2:2 |
| K | 1:1 | 2:2 |
| I | 1:2 | 2:2 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, Br₂: put 1 in front of it.
- Br: 2 on the left. Put 2 in front of KBr.
- K: 2 on the right. Put 2 in front of KI.
- I: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of I₂ (1 × 2 = 2).
- Check: Br 2 = 2, K 2 = 2, I 2 = 2. Balanced.
What happens
It is a displacement reaction: a more reactive element pushes a less reactive one out of its compound. Bromine displaces iodine from potassium iodide, because bromine is more reactive than iodine.
Bromine and potassium iodide: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for bromine and potassium iodide?
Br₂(aq) + 2 KI(aq) → 2 KBr(aq) + I₂(aq). The coefficients are 1, 2, 2 and 1. Each side then has 2 Br, 2 K and 2 I.
What type of reaction is bromine and potassium iodide?
It is a displacement reaction: a more reactive element pushes a less reactive one out of its compound. Bromine displaces iodine from potassium iodide, because bromine is more reactive than iodine.
How do you balance Br₂ + KI → KBr + I₂?
Start with the biggest formula, Br₂: put 1 in front of it. Br: 2 on the left. Put 2 in front of KBr. K: 2 on the right. Put 2 in front of KI. I: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of I₂ (1 × 2 = 2). Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.