What is the balanced chemical equation when hydrogen bromide is reacted with chlorine?

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between hydrogen bromide and chlorine reflects the conservation of mass and the correct stoichiometry of the reactants and products. In this reaction, each molecule of hydrogen bromide (HBr) reacts with chlorine (Cl₂) to produce hydrogen chloride (HCl) and bromine (Br₂).

The balanced equation shows that two molecules of HBr are required to fully react with one molecule of Cl₂, resulting in the formation of two molecules of HCl and one molecule of Br₂. This reflects the fact that the chlorine atoms from Cl₂ are halved: one chlorine atom is used to create HCl and the other combines with bromine to form Br₂.

In terms of atom count, the balanced equation maintains the same number of each type of atom on both sides, illustrating that the reaction respects the law of conservation of mass. The presence of both HCl and Br₂ as products correctly reflects the chemical identities and oxidation states involved, ensuring that hydrogen atoms and bromine atoms are accounted for appropriately in the products.

Thus, this equation correctly represents the chemical changes occurring during the reaction.