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Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition
Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 15th EditionCh.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction StoichiometryProblem 19a
Chapter 3, Problem 19a

Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when (a) Mg(s) reacts with Cl2(g)

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Identify the reactants and products: The reactants are magnesium (Mg) and chlorine gas (Cl_2). The product is magnesium chloride (MgCl_2).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: Mg(s) + Cl_2(g) \(\rightarrow\) MgCl_2(s).
Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation: On the left, there is 1 Mg and 2 Cl atoms. On the right, there is 1 Mg and 2 Cl atoms.
Since the number of atoms for each element is already balanced on both sides, the equation is balanced as written.
The balanced chemical equation is: Mg(s) + Cl_2(g) \(\rightarrow\) MgCl_2(s).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal atom counts.
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Types of Chemical Reactions

The reaction between magnesium (Mg) and chlorine gas (Cl2) is an example of a synthesis reaction, where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. Understanding the type of reaction helps predict the products formed and the overall reaction process. In this case, magnesium reacts with chlorine to form magnesium chloride (MgCl2).
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States of Matter in Reactions

In chemical equations, the physical states of the reactants and products are indicated using symbols: (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, and (aq) for aqueous solutions. Recognizing these states is crucial for understanding the conditions under which the reaction occurs and for accurately writing the balanced equation. For instance, magnesium is a solid, while chlorine is a gas in this reaction.
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