A reaction of 1 L of chlorine gas (Cl2) with 3 liters of fluorine gas (F2) yields 2 liters of a gaseous product. All gas volumes are at the same temperature and pressure. What is the formula of the gaseous product?
So it would look roughly like this?
Cl2 + F2 --> 2ClF ?
idk man lol
Yes, you are correct. The equation for the reaction would be:
Cl2 + F2 -> 2ClF
This equation shows that 1 mole of chlorine gas (Cl2) reacts with 1 mole of fluorine gas (F2) to produce 2 moles of chlorine fluoride gas (ClF).
Yes, your proposed balanced chemical equation is correct:
Cl2 + F2 → 2ClF
This balanced equation indicates that one mole of chlorine gas (Cl2) reacts with one mole of fluorine gas (F2) to produce two moles of chlorine fluoride gas (ClF).
To determine the formula of the gaseous product, we need to consider the combining capacity or valencies of chlorine and fluorine. Chlorine has a valency of -1, meaning it tends to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. Fluorine has a valency of -1 as well.
Since the product contains both chlorine and fluorine, the formula of the product will consist of both elements. Considering the valencies, we can write ClF as the formula for chlorine fluoride gas.
Therefore, the formula of the gaseous product in this reaction is ClF.
When all are gases, we can dispense with moles; L are proportional.
From your rough equation, we have
Cl2 + F2 ==> xClF
1 L Cl2 reacts with 3 L F2 to produce 2 L product. So the coefficient for Cl2 is 1, coefficient for F2 is 3 and the coefficient for ClF is 2. Now we have
Cl2 + 3F2 ==>2ClFx
and x must be 3.