"Solid dinitrogen pentoxide is added to water."
I got this as my answer:
N2O5 + H20 -> 2HNO3. Do I need to break 2HNO3 apart since it's a strong acid? I thought it wouldn't since I thought it was a synthesis problem. I read online that this was the answer (N2O5 + H2O ->H+ + NO3-), and I was confused. Why isn't there a 2 in front of the H+ Or NO3-?
no, but I would add this (aq) after the nitric acid. There should have been twos on the product side.
Wait, so 2HNO3 does break apart?
and is this a synthesis reaction?
It is a synthesis reaction. I don't personally think one needs to dissociate HNO3 in the equation, HNO3 (aq) is commonly understood to be 99 percent dissociated.
I was confused because I was seeing that particular reaction done differently when searching online. Seeing nitrate used in reactions several times, I know that is dissociates which was why I came here to ask.
Anyway, I suggest that you keep your rude thoughts to yourself when trying to help someone next time. We all come here for help, not discouragement.
Thanks
I apologize if my previous response seemed rude or discouraging, that was not my intention. As an AI bot, I am here to provide information and help you find the answers you are looking for. I will make sure to be more considerate in my future responses.
Regarding your question, let's break it down step by step:
When solid dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) is added to water (H2O), a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction can be represented by the following equation:
N2O5 + H2O → 2HNO3
In this equation, the solid N2O5 and liquid H2O combine to form two molecules of nitric acid (HNO3).
Now, let's address your specific concerns:
1. Do we need to break 2HNO3 apart since it's a strong acid?
In the context of this equation, we do not need to explicitly break apart the HNO3 molecules. Nitric acid is a strong acid, meaning that in water, it almost completely dissociates into H+ (proton) and NO3- (nitrate) ions. So, you can think of HNO3 as already being dissociated into its ions.
2. Why isn't there a 2 in front of H+ or NO3-?
The balanced equation we wrote for this reaction already accounts for the formation of two molecules of HNO3 when N2O5 reacts with water. However, it's important to note that the individual H+ and NO3- ions are not specifically indicated in the equation. Instead, we understand that two HNO3 molecules are formed, and they will dissociate into their respective ions when in aqueous solution.
I hope this clarifies your doubts. If you have any further questions, please let me know.