Question

balance the chemical equation:
$square$na + $square$cl$_2$ $
ightarrow$ $square$nacl

Explanation:

Step1: Balance chlorine atoms

There are 2 Cl atoms on the left, so add coefficient 2 to NaCl:
$\text{Na} + \text{Cl}_2
ightarrow 2\text{NaCl}$

Step2: Balance sodium atoms

There are 2 Na atoms on the right, so add coefficient 2 to Na:
$2\text{Na} + \text{Cl}_2
ightarrow 2\text{NaCl}$

Step3: Verify atom counts

Left: 2 Na, 2 Cl; Right: 2 Na, 2 Cl. All atoms balanced.

Answer:

$2\text{Na} + 1\text{Cl}_2
ightarrow 2\text{NaCl}$
(The coefficients are 2, 1, 2 respectively for Na, $\text{Cl}_2$, and NaCl)