# How would you balance __S8+__F2--> __SF6?

Oct 27, 2015

${S}_{8}$ + $24 {F}_{2}$ $\rightarrow$ $8 S {F}_{6}$

#### Explanation:

First thing you need to do is to tally the atoms.

${S}_{8}$ + ${F}_{2}$ $\rightarrow$ $S {F}_{6}$ (unbalanced)

Based on the subscripts,

Left side: S = 8; F = 2
Right side: S = 1; F = 6

Since you cannot balance an equation by changing subscripts, all you can do is insert the coefficients. Let's start with the easier atom to balance.

${S}_{8}$ + ${F}_{2}$ $\rightarrow$ $\textcolor{b l u e}{8} S {F}_{6}$

Left side: S = 8; F = 2
Right side: S = (1 x $\textcolor{b l u e}{8}$) = 8; F = (6 x $\textcolor{b l u e}{8}$) = 48

Please notice that since $S {F}_{6}$ is a substance, you need to multiply the coefficient, not only to S but also to F.

Now to balance the F.

${S}_{8}$ + $\textcolor{g r e e n}{24} {F}_{2}$ $\rightarrow$ $\textcolor{b l u e}{8} S {F}_{6}$

Left side: S = 8; F = (2 x $\textcolor{g r e e n}{24}$) = 48
Right side: S = (1 x $\textcolor{b l u e}{8}$) = 8; F = (6 x $\textcolor{b l u e}{8}$) = 48

The equation is now balanced.