How do you balance this equation?
Zn(s) + HNO3(aq)--> Zn(NO3)2(aq) + N2O(g) + H2O(l)
jump off my wall
4zn+10HNO3=4zn(NO3)2+3H2O+NH4NO3
To balance the equation, we need to make sure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Here's how you can balance this equation step-by-step:
1. Start by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
Zinc (Zn): 1 atom on the left side, 1 atom on the right side.
Nitrogen (N): 1 atom on the left side, 1 atom on the right side.
Oxygen (O): 8 atoms on the left side, 8 atoms on the right side.
Hydrogen (H): 1 atom on the left side, 2 atoms on the right side.
2. Balance the equation by adjusting the coefficients (numbers in front of the elements or compounds) until the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.
3. Let's start with zinc (Zn). Since there is already 1 atom of Zn on each side, we don't need to adjust it.
4. Next, let's balance nitrogen (N). The reactant side has 1 atom of N, while the product side has 2 atoms of N (in the form of N2O). To balance N, we will need to multiply the reactant HNO3 by 2:
Zn(s) + 2HNO3(aq) --> Zn(NO3)2(aq) + N2O(g) + H2O(l)
5. Next, let's balance oxygen (O). On the reactant side, there are 8 atoms of O (4 from HNO3 and 4 from H2O), while on the product side, there are 10 atoms of O (2 from Zn(NO3)2 and 8 from N2O). To balance O, we need to multiply Zn(NO3)2 by 5 and HNO3 by 4:
Zn(s) + 10HNO3(aq) --> 5Zn(NO3)2(aq) + N2O(g) + H2O(l)
6. Finally, let's balance hydrogen (H). On the reactant side, there is 2 atom of H, while on the product side, there are 20 atoms of H (10 from HNO3 and 10 from H2O). To balance H, we need to multiply H2O by 10:
Zn(s) + 10HNO3(aq) --> 5Zn(NO3)2(aq) + N2O(g) + 10H2O(l)
The balanced equation is:
Zn(s) + 10HNO3(aq) --> 5Zn(NO3)2(aq) + N2O(g) + 10H2O(l)
By following these steps, you can balance any chemical equation.
Zn(s) + 2 HNO3(aq)--> Zn(NO3)2(aq) + H2(g)
metal + acid --> salt + hydrogen