Here's how to write the balanced equation for the reaction of potassium (K) with chlorine (Cl₂) to form potassium chloride (KCl):

Unbalanced Equation:

K + Cl₂ → KCl

Balanced Equation:

2K + Cl₂ → 2KCl

Explanation:

* Reactants: Potassium (K) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl₂) is a diatomic gas.

* Product: Potassium chloride (KCl) is an ionic compound.

* Balancing:

* There are two chlorine atoms on the left side (Cl₂) and only one on the right (KCl). To balance this, we place a coefficient of 2 in front of KCl.

* Now there are two potassium atoms on the right side (2KCl), so we place a coefficient of 2 in front of K on the left side.

Key Points:

* Chemical equations must be balanced to represent the law of conservation of mass.

* Balancing involves adjusting coefficients (numbers in front of the chemical formulas) to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.