One molecule of bromine (Br2)

and two molecules of potassium chloride (KCl) combine in a reaction. How many atoms are in the products?

1 answer

To determine the number of atoms in the products of the reaction between bromine (Br₂) and potassium chloride (KCl), we first need to consider the reactants:

  1. Bromine (Br₂): This molecule consists of 2 bromine atoms.
  2. Potassium Chloride (KCl): Each molecule of KCl contains 1 potassium atom and 1 chlorine atom. Since there are 2 molecules of KCl, it contributes:
    • 2 potassium atoms
    • 2 chlorine atoms

Now, let’s tally up the number of atoms from the reactants:

  • From 1 molecule of Br₂: 2 Br atoms
  • From 2 molecules of KCl: 2 K atoms + 2 Cl atoms

Adding these together gives us:

  • Total = 2 Br + 2 K + 2 Cl
  • Total = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6 atoms in the reactants.

If we assume that the reaction leads to the formation of potassium bromide (KBr) as the product (which occurs when Br₂ reacts with KCl), we would get:

  • From 2 K atoms and 2 Br atoms (from the reaction):
    • 2 KBr units would be produced.

Now, examining KBr:

  • Each KBr consists of 1 potassium atom and 1 bromine atom. Thus, 2 KBr would give:
    • 2 K atoms + 2 Br atoms

In the product side, counting the atoms:

  • 2 K from KBr
  • 2 Br from KBr

So the total in the products would also be:

  • Total = 2 K + 2 Br = 2 + 2 = 4 atoms.

Thus, the final answer, the total number of atoms in the products (2 KBr), is 4 atoms.