Question

use the equation to answer the question.

ch₄ + ____cl₂ → ccl₄ + ____hcl

which numbers balance this equation?

(1 point)

○ 1, 2

○ 2, 4

○ 4, 4

○ 3, 2

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on both sides

For \(CH_4 + aCl_2
ightarrow CCl_4 + bHCl\), count \(Cl\) atoms. Left side has \(2a\) \(Cl\) atoms (from \(aCl_2\)), right side has \(4 + b\) \(Cl\) atoms (\(4\) from \(CCl_4\) and \(b\) from \(bHCl\)). Count \(H\) atoms: left side has \(4\) (from \(CH_4\)), right side has \(b\) (from \(bHCl\)).

Step2: Solve for \(a\) and \(b\)

Since \(H\) atoms: \(b = 4\). Substitute \(b = 4\) into \(Cl\) - atom equation \(2a=4 + b\). So \(2a=4 + 4\), \(2a = 8\), \(a = 4\).

Answer:

\(4,4\) (the third option)