Homework Help: chemistry

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 9:27pm.

The redox reaction below occurs in acidic solution. Balance it with the smallest whole number coefficients and determine the coefficient for H2O.

Zn(s) + NO3-(aq) ---> Zn2+(aq) + N2O(g)

i got 4 as the coefficient for water, but the answer says that it is 5

chemistry - DrBob222, Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 9:46pm
The Zn half is:
Zn ==> Zn^+2 + 2e

The NO3^- half is"
10H^+ + 8e + 2NO3^- ==> N2O + 5H2O

Multiply the Zn half by 4, the NO3^- half by 1 and add the two equations.
I have 5 for H2O also.
If you will type your equation in I will tell you why it is wrong. I know you can look at your answer and compare it with mine and see where the coefficients are not the same; however, it is possible to balance the equation atom for atom and even electron for electron and NOT be balanced.

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