Final answer:
To balance the equation NaBr + Cl₂ = NaCl + Br₂, we arrange the coefficients to ensure an equal number of atoms on each side, resulting in 2 NaBr + Cl₂ → 2 NaCl + Br₂. This balances the sodium, chlorine, and bromine atoms in the reaction, considering the diatomic nature of chlorine and bromine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical equation provided by the student, NaBr + Cl₂ = NaCl + Br₂, is an example of a single replacement reaction where chlorine (Cl₂) is reacting with sodium bromide (NaBr) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl) and bromine (Br₂). To balance this equation, it is important to use the knowledge of diatomic molecules, which include H₂, N₂, O₂, F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, and I₂. These elements naturally exist as diatomic molecules, meaning they are composed of two atoms in their elemental form.
To achieve balance, we need to ensure that there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Since Cl₂ and Br₂ are both diatomic, the correct balanced equation is:
2 NaBr + Cl₂ → 2 NaCl + Br₂
This balanced equation shows us that two molecules of sodium bromide react with one molecule of chlorine gas to yield two molecules of sodium chloride and one molecule of bromine. The correct use of coefficients successfully balances the number of sodium, chlorine, and bromine atoms on both sides of the equation.