Complete and balance the equation: Mg(OH)2 + HCl -> ??
This relies on the knowledge that an acid + base --> salt + water.Once you have realised this - pick out the acid and the base (remember acids have H+ and bases OH-)Now, you know that water will be made - which is H2O - so you can fill this in straight away.Whats left is Mg and Cl - making magnesium chloride. Looking at the periodic table of the column rule - will explain on whiteboard, you know that Mg has a 2+ charge, and Cl has a 1- charge.To balance these, we need 2 Cl molecules - Making MgCl2.Mg(OH)2 + HCl --> MgCl2 + H2O.Make a table to keep a record of how many molecules you have to see if its balanced (can show on whiteboard)Answer is Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl --> MgCl2 + 2H2O
