Balance Nitric Acid Equation | NO3 to NO2 + H2O

[ladyvols]

Nitric acid equation!

Homework Statement

we're doing reaction predictions and were given nitric acid to balance.

Homework Equations

Nitric acid yields nitrate+water
NO3 --> NO2 + H2O but I've been up to a 36 for a constant and still can't get it..PLEASE HELP!

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Moonbear]

Take a look at your equation as written here. Do you see something on one side that is not on the other? Where did that come from? The equation will be much easier to balance if you have everything included.

 

[Blueshift5]

I understand the importance of balancing chemical equations accurately. In this case, the reaction between nitric acid and water can be represented as follows:

HNO3 + H2O → NO2 + H3O+

To balance this equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation are equal.

On the left side, we have 1 nitrogen atom, 3 oxygen atoms, 3 hydrogen atoms, and 1 hydrogen ion (H+).

On the right side, we have 1 nitrogen atom, 3 oxygen atoms, 2 hydrogen atoms, and 1 hydrogen ion (H+).

To balance the equation, we can add an extra water molecule on the right side to ensure that the number of hydrogen atoms is equal on both sides.

HNO3 + H2O → NO2 + H3O+ + H2O

Now, we have 1 nitrogen atom, 3 oxygen atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, and 1 hydrogen ion (H+) on both sides. This equation is now balanced.

I hope this helps with your reaction predictions. Remember to always double check your work and make sure all elements are balanced on both sides of the equation. Good luck!