Cu + AgNO3 ---> Ag + Cu(NO3)2 Why is there a two after NO3? Thanks.
The valence of Cu is +2. The valence of the nitrate ion (NO3^-) is -1. For the compound to be zero, the Cu is +2, two nitrates give -2 (at -1 each), +2 and -2 = 0. Thus, one needs two nitrates to equal the charge on one Cu.
There is a 2 after the NO3 because 2 is for O and 3 is for Nitrate and Oxygen so its N3 O3+2=5 so it would be O5
just realized this was in 2009 they have prob already graduated and living a chemistry stress-free life :/
The presence of the number 2 after the NO3 in the chemical equation Cu + AgNO3 -> Ag + Cu(NO3)2 indicates that there are two nitrate ions (NO3-) in the compound Cu(NO3)2. This is due to the requirement to balance the charges on both sides of the equation.
To understand how to determine the number of nitrate ions in Cu(NO3)2, you need to know the charges of the individual ions involved. Copper (Cu) has a charge of +2, while nitrate ions (NO3-) have a charge of -1 each. Since the overall charge of the compound Cu(NO3)2 must be neutral, it means that there needs to be two nitrate ions present to balance the charge of the two copper ions.
Therefore, when copper (Cu) reacts with silver nitrate (AgNO3), it displaces the silver (Ag) from the compound, resulting in the formation of silver (Ag) and the compound Cu(NO3)2, which consists of two nitrate ions (NO3-) bonded to one copper ion (Cu).
In summary, the presence of the number 2 after NO3 is necessary to ensure that the charges on both sides of the chemical equation are balanced, and it represents the two nitrate ions in the compound Cu(NO3)2.