1. Write the unbalanced molecular equation:
2 Al(s) + 6 HCl(aq) → 2 AlCl₃(aq) + 3 H₂(g)
2. Identify the spectator ions:
Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and don't participate in the actual reaction. In this case, the chloride ions (Cl⁻) are spectator ions.
3. Write the complete ionic equation:
2 Al(s) + 6 H⁺(aq) + 6 Cl⁻(aq) → 2 Al³⁺(aq) + 6 Cl⁻(aq) + 3 H₂(g)
4. Cancel out the spectator ions:
2 Al(s) + 6 H⁺(aq) → 2 Al³⁺(aq) + 3 H₂(g)
5. Simplify the equation:
Al(s) + 3 H⁺(aq) → Al³⁺(aq) + 3/2 H₂(g)
This is the balanced ionic equation for the reaction of aluminum with hydrochloric acid.
Key points:
* Aluminum (Al) is a solid metal.
* Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an aqueous solution.
* Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) is an aqueous solution.
* Hydrogen gas (H₂) is produced as a gas.
* The coefficients in the balanced equation ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
