How would you balance S8+F2--> __SF6?

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Answer 1 · 2015-10-27T13:02:04

#S_8# + #24F_2# #rarr# #8SF_6#

First thing you need to do is to tally the atoms.

#S_8# + #F_2# #rarr# #SF_6# (unbalanced)

Based on the subscripts,

Left side: S = 8; F = 2
Right side: S = 1; F = 6

Since you cannot balance an equation by changing subscripts, all you can do is insert the coefficients. Let's start with the easier atom to balance.

#S_8# + #F_2# #rarr# #color (blue) 8 SF_6#

Left side: S = 8; F = 2
Right side: S = (1 x #color (blue) 8#) = 8; F = (6 x #color (blue) 8#) = 48

Please notice that since #SF_6# is a substance, you need to multiply the coefficient, not only to S but also to F.

Now to balance the F.

#S_8# + #color (green) 24 F_2# #rarr# #color (blue) 8 SF_6#

Left side: S = 8; F = (2 x #color (green) 24#) = 48
Right side: S = (1 x #color (blue) 8#) = 8; F = (6 x #color (blue) 8#) = 48

The equation is now balanced.

How would you balance __S8+__F2--> __SF6?