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Ch.4 - Reactions in Aqueous Solution
Chapter 4, Problem 58b

The following reactions (note that the arrows are pointing only one direction) can be used to prepare an activity series for the halogens:
Br2(aq) + 2 NaI(aq) → 2 NaBr(aq) + I2(aq)
Cl2(aq) + 2 NaBr(aq) → 2 NaCl(aq) + Br2(aq)
(b) Predict whether a reaction will occur when elemental chlorine and potassium iodide are mixed.

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1
Identify the halogens involved in the reactions: bromine (Br2), iodine (I2), and chlorine (Cl2).
Understand the concept of an activity series: it ranks elements based on their ability to displace other elements in compounds. A more active halogen can displace a less active halogen from its compound.
Analyze the given reactions to determine the relative activity of the halogens: In the first reaction, Br2 displaces I2, indicating that Br2 is more active than I2. In the second reaction, Cl2 displaces Br2, indicating that Cl2 is more active than Br2.
Based on the activity series derived from the reactions, determine the order of reactivity: Cl2 > Br2 > I2.
Predict the outcome of mixing elemental chlorine (Cl2) with potassium iodide (KI): Since Cl2 is more active than I2, Cl2 will displace I2 from KI, resulting in a reaction that forms KCl and I2.

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