Fill in the gaps to balance the equation.
Use the smallest set of whole numbers to balance the equation and include coefficients of "1" when appropriate.
[tex]$\square$ Ca ( OH )_2+ $\square$ CuI _2 \rightarrow $\square$ CaI _2+ $\square$ Cu ( OH )_2[/tex]
Complete the table to determine how many atoms of each element are present in the reactants and products.
| Element | Reactant | Products |
| :------ | :------- | :------- |
| Ca | $\square$ | $\square$ |
| O | $\square$ | $\square$ |
| H | $\square$ | $\square$ |
| Cu | $\square$ | $\square$ |
| I | $\square$ | $\square$ |
Answer (1)
Balance the equation by ensuring the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.
Verify that Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Iodine (I), Oxygen (O), and Hydrogen (H) are balanced with coefficients of 1.
Complete the table with the number of atoms for each element on the reactant and product sides.
The balanced equation is C a ( O H ) 2 + C u I 2 → C a I 2 + C u ( O H ) 2 , and the table is filled with the count of each atom: Ca (1), O (2), H (2), Cu (1), I (2) on both sides. C a ( O H ) 2 + C u I 2 → C a I 2 + C u ( O H ) 2
Explanation
Initial Analysis Let's balance the chemical equation step by step. The equation is:
□ C a ( O H ) 2 + □ C u I 2 → □ C a I 2 + □ C u ( O H ) 2
We need to find the smallest whole number coefficients to balance the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
Balancing Each Element
Balancing Calcium (Ca):
There is 1 Ca atom in C a ( O H ) 2 on the reactant side and 1 Ca atom in C a I 2 on the product side. So, Ca is already balanced.
Balancing Copper (Cu):
There is 1 Cu atom in C u I 2 on the reactant side. We need to make sure there is 1 Cu atom on the product side as well. There is 1 Cu atom in C u ( O H ) 2 , so Cu is also balanced.
Balancing Iodine (I):
There are 2 I atoms in C u I 2 on the reactant side. There are 2 I atoms in C a I 2 on the product side. So, Iodine is balanced.
Balancing Oxygen (O):
There are 2 O atoms in C a ( O H ) 2 on the reactant side. We need to make sure there are 2 O atoms on the product side. There are 2 O atoms in C u ( O H ) 2 , so Oxygen is balanced.
Balancing Hydrogen (H):
There are 2 H atoms in C a ( O H ) 2 on the reactant side. We need to make sure there are 2 H atoms on the product side. There are 2 H atoms in C u ( O H ) 2 , so Hydrogen is balanced.
Balanced Equation Since all the elements are already balanced with coefficients of 1, the balanced equation is:
1 C a ( O H ) 2 + 1 C u I 2 → 1 C a I 2 + 1 C u ( O H ) 2
So, the coefficients are all 1.
Completing the Table Now, let's complete the table to show the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the balanced equation:
Element
Reactant
Products
Ca
1
1
O
2
2
H
2
2
Cu
1
1
I
2
2
Final Answer The balanced equation is:
C a ( O H ) 2 + C u I 2 → C a I 2 + C u ( O H ) 2
And the completed table is:
Element
Reactant
Products
Ca
1
1
O
2
2
H
2
2
Cu
1
1
I
2
2
Examples
Balancing chemical equations is essential in many real-world applications, such as in the pharmaceutical industry when synthesizing new drugs. For example, if you're creating a new medicine, you need to ensure that the reaction you're using produces the desired compound without any leftover reactants. This ensures that the final product is safe and effective. In environmental science, balancing equations is used to understand and mitigate pollution. For instance, when treating acidic mine drainage, you need to know the exact amount of neutralizing agent to add to balance the pH levels and prevent harm to aquatic life. In both cases, understanding stoichiometry through balanced equations is crucial for achieving the desired outcome.
