Question

Balance the following equation by inspection:
Cu + HNO3 --> Cu(NO3)2 + H2O +NO

Answer 1

3Cu +
`8HNO_(3)` → 3
`Cu(NO_(3) )_(2)` +4
`H_(2)O` + 2NO

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the number of each atom in both reactants, it must be equal to the number of each atom in the product. Thus, the number of copper atom, hydrogen atom, nitrogen atom and oxygen atom must be equal on both sides of the equation.