1. Write the unbalanced equation:
FeCl₃ (aq) + NaOH (aq) → Fe(OH)₃ (s) + NaCl (aq)
2. Balance the equation:
* Iron (Fe): There is one iron atom on each side, so it's balanced.
* Chlorine (Cl): There are three chlorine atoms on the left and one on the right. Add a coefficient of 3 in front of NaCl.
* Sodium (Na): There is one sodium atom on the left and three on the right. Add a coefficient of 3 in front of NaOH.
* Oxygen (O) and Hydrogen (H): These atoms are balanced after adjusting the coefficients for sodium and chlorine.
The balanced equation is:
FeCl₃ (aq) + 3NaOH (aq) → Fe(OH)₃ (s) + 3NaCl (aq)
Explanation:
* (aq) indicates that the substance is dissolved in water (aqueous solution).
* (s) indicates that the substance is a solid precipitate.
This reaction produces a brown precipitate of iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃) and a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl).
