Question

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

Answer 1

`S_8` + `24F_2` `rarr` `8SF_6`

Explanation:

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

`S_8` + `F_2` `rarr` `SF_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` `rarr` `color (blue) 8 SF_6`

Left side: S = 8; F = 2
Right side: S = (1 x `color (blue) 8`) = 8; F = (6 x `color (blue) 8`) = 48

Please notice that since `SF_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` + `color (green) 24 F_2` `rarr` `color (blue) 8 SF_6`

Left side: S = 8; F = (2 x `color (green) 24`) = 48
Right side: S = (1 x `color (blue) 8`) = 8; F = (6 x `color (blue) 8`) = 48

The equation is now balanced.