So im doing this equation in chemistry CH4 + Cl2-CCl+HCl

Question

So im doing this equation in chemistry CH4 + Cl2-CCl+HCl and it says there are 5 Cl but how do i know if there is 5 Cl

Answer 1

Well, it appears to me, that what is being implied in this question is that all of the 4 H atoms on methane (CH4) are being replaced by Cl atoms to form carbon tetrachloride + HCl.  Thus, the reaction would be:

 

CH4 + 3 Cl2  -->  CCl4  +  2 HCl