Explain what is wrong with this balanced chemical equation and write the correct equation

SiO2 + HF —> SiF4 + H2O

Hey there!

SiO₂ + HF → SiF₄ + H₂O

The problem here is that there is not an equal amount of O, H, or F atoms on both sides of the equation.

So let's balance!

Balance F.

1 on the left, 4 on the right. Add a coefficient of 4 in front of HF.

SiO₂ + 4HF → SiF₄ + H₂O

Balance H.

4 on the left, 2 on the right. Add a coefficient of 2 in front of H₂O.

SiO₂ + 4HF → SiF₄ + 2H₂O

Balance O.

2 on the left, 2 on the right. Already balanced.

Balance Si.

1 on the left, 1 on the right. Already balanced.

Our final balanced equation: SiO₂ + 4HF → SiF₄ + 2H₂O

Hope this helps!