Balance H₂ + Cl₂ → HCl
H₂(g) + Cl₂(g) → 2 HCl(g)
Balance an equation
H₂(g)+Cl₂(g)→2HCl(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| H | 2:1 | 2:2 |
| Cl | 2:1 | 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, H₂: put 1 in front of it.
- H: 2 on the left. Put 2 in front of HCl.
- Cl: 2 on the right. Put 1 in front of Cl₂ (1 × 2 = 2).
- Check: H 2 = 2, Cl 2 = 2. Balanced.
What happens
It is a combination reaction: two or more substances join to form a single product. Hydrogen and chlorine combine to form hydrogen chloride gas, which dissolves in water to give hydrochloric acid.
Hydrogen and chlorine: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for hydrogen and chlorine?
H₂(g) + Cl₂(g) → 2 HCl(g). The coefficients are 1, 1 and 2. Each side then has 2 H and 2 Cl.
What type of reaction is hydrogen and chlorine?
It is a combination reaction: two or more substances join to form a single product. Hydrogen and chlorine combine to form hydrogen chloride gas, which dissolves in water to give hydrochloric acid.
How do you balance H₂ + Cl₂ → HCl?
Start with the biggest formula, H₂: put 1 in front of it. H: 2 on the left. Put 2 in front of HCl. Cl: 2 on the right. Put 1 in front of Cl₂ (1 × 2 = 2). Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.