Is the unbalanced reaction for copper + silver nitrate Cu + AgNO3 = Cu(NO3)2 + Ag or Cu + 2AgNO3 = Cu(NO3)2 + Ag?

To determine the correct balanced equation for a chemical reaction, we need to make sure that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is equal.

Let's analyze the unbalanced reaction you provided:
Cu + AgNO3 = Cu(NO3)2 + Ag

On the left side of the equation, we have one copper atom (Cu) and one silver atom (Ag), but on the right side, we have one copper atom (Cu), two nitrogen atoms (N), and six oxygen atoms (O). Additionally, only one silver atom (Ag) is present on the right side.

To balance this equation, we need to adjust the coefficients (the numbers in front of the substances) to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

Let's try balancing it now:
Cu + 2AgNO3 = Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag

By placing a coefficient of 2 in front of AgNO3, we balance the equation. Now, both sides of the equation have one copper atom (Cu), two silver atoms (Ag), two nitrogen atoms (N), and six oxygen atoms (O). Additionally, the subscript 2 is placed after Cu(NO3)2 to indicate that there are two nitrate ions.

Therefore, the balanced equation is:
Cu + 2AgNO3 = Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag

unbalanced? the first one.