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Multiple Choice
What is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂)?
A
HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)₂(aq) → BaCl₂(aq) + H₂O(l)
B
2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)₂(aq) → BaCl₂(aq) + 2H₂O(l)
C
HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)₂(aq) → BaCl₂(aq) + 2H₂O(l)
D
2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)₂(aq) → BaCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the reactants and products in the chemical equation: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) are the reactants, while barium chloride (BaCl₂) and water (H₂O) are the products.
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)₂(aq) → BaCl₂(aq) + H₂O(l).
Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Initially, you have 1 Ba, 2 Cl, 2 O, and 2 H on the reactant side, and 1 Ba, 2 Cl, 1 O, and 2 H on the product side.
Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients. Start by balancing the number of hydrogen atoms. Since there are 2 OH groups in Ba(OH)₂, you need 2 HCl molecules to provide 2 H atoms for each OH group, resulting in 2 H₂O molecules.
Write the balanced equation: 2HCl(aq) + Ba(OH)₂(aq) → BaCl₂(aq) + 2H₂O(l). Ensure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation.