Identify the reactants and products in the given chemical reaction. The reactants are NaCl(aq) and Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq), and the products are NaC2H3O2(aq) and Hg2Cl2(s).
Balance the equation by ensuring the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides. Start by balancing the mercury atoms. Since there are two mercury atoms in Hg2(C2H3O2)2, ensure the product side also has Hg2Cl2.
Next, balance the sodium and acetate ions. Since there are two acetate ions in Hg2(C2H3O2)2, you need two NaC2H3O2 on the product side. This requires two NaCl on the reactant side.
The balanced molecular equation is: 2 NaCl(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → 2 NaC2H3O2(aq) + Hg2Cl2(s).