The reaction of tungsten hexachloride (WCl₆) with bismuth gives hexatungsten dodecachloride (W₆Cl₁₂).
WCl₆ + Bi → W₆Cl₁₂ + BiCl₃ Unbalanced
(a) Balance the equation.

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas, rather than changing the subscripts within the formulas.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It allows chemists to predict the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a given reaction. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for balancing equations, as it provides the ratios needed to ensure that the equation reflects the conservation of mass.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement. The reaction between tungsten hexachloride and bismuth is a synthesis reaction, where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. Recognizing the type of reaction helps in predicting the products and understanding the underlying mechanisms involved.