How do you balance #Fe + Cl_2 -> FeCl_3#?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 11, 2016

You balance it stoichiometrically. Garbage in equals garbage out.

Explanation:

#Fe(s) + 3/2Cl_2(g) rarr FeCl_3(s)#

If you don't like the non-integral stoichiometric coefficient, you are free to double the entire equation:

#2Fe(s) + 3Cl_2(g) rarr 2FeCl_3(s)#

Both equations are PRECISELY the same. They represent the same mass transfer. The first equation may be a little easier to use if you had to work the quantities of gas required for iron oxidation.

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