Question

Ii Chlorine trifluoride is an extremely reactive substance and, for

instance, reacts explosively with water. The products of the reaction
are hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid and oxygen gas. Write
an equation, including state symbols, for the reaction of chlorine
trifluoride with water.

Answer 1

ClF₃(g) + 2 H₂O(l) ⇒ 3 HF(aq) + HCl(aq) + O₂(g)

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider the unbalanced equation for the reaction between chlorine trifluoride and water to form hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid and oxygen gas.

ClF₃(g) + H₂O(l) ⇒ HF(aq) + HCl(aq) + O₂(g)

We will balance it using the trial and error method.

First, we will balance F atoms by multiplying HF by 3.

ClF₃(g) + H₂O(l) ⇒ 3 HF(aq) + HCl(aq) + O₂(g)

Then, we will balance H atoms by multiplying H₂O by 2.

ClF₃(g) + 2 H₂O(l) ⇒ 3 HF(aq) + HCl(aq) + O₂(g)

This equation is balanced.