Balance AgCl → Ag + Cl₂
2 AgCl(s) → 2 Ag(s) + Cl₂(g)
Balance an equation
2AgCl(s)→2Ag(s)+Cl₂(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| Ag | 1:1 | 2:2 |
| Cl | 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, AgCl: put 1 in front of it.
- Ag: 1 on the left. Put 1 in front of Ag.
- Cl: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of Cl₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1).
- Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2.
- Check: Ag 2 = 2, Cl 2 = 2. Balanced.
What happens
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. White silver chloride turns grey in sunlight as it breaks down into silver and chlorine. This was used in black and white photography.
Silver chloride in sunlight: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for silver chloride in sunlight?
2 AgCl(s) → 2 Ag(s) + Cl₂(g). The coefficients are 2, 2 and 1. Each side then has 2 Ag and 2 Cl.
What type of reaction is silver chloride in sunlight?
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. White silver chloride turns grey in sunlight as it breaks down into silver and chlorine. This was used in black and white photography.
How do you balance AgCl → Ag + Cl₂?
Start with the biggest formula, AgCl: put 1 in front of it. Ag: 1 on the left. Put 1 in front of Ag. Cl: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of Cl₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1). Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.