Question

Perform balancing using the redox method of the following chemical equation.

Apply 7 steps to balance the equation:
C + HNO₃ → CO₂ + NO₂ + H₂O

Answer 1

To balance the redox reaction C + HNO₃ → CO₂ + NO₂ + H₂O, one must assign oxidation numbers, write skeletal equations, balance for mass and charge, and combine the half-reactions while ensuring both sides have equal numbers of each atom and the total charge is balanced.

Step-by-step explanation:

Steps for Balancing the Given Redox Reaction:

Let's apply the redox method to balance the equation C + HNO₃ → CO₂ + NO₂ + H₂O. Here's how to do it step by step:

1. Assign oxidation numbers to each atom and identify the atoms that are oxidized and reduced.
2. Write separate skeletal equations for the oxidation and reduction processes.
3. Balance the mass of atoms other than oxygen and hydrogen in each half-reaction.
4. Balance oxygen atoms by adding H₂O molecules where necessary.
5. Balance hydrogen atoms by adding H+ ions to the half-reactions.
6. Balance the charge of each half-reaction by adding electrons (e-) where needed.
7. Multiply the half-reactions by appropriate coefficients so the number of electrons in both reactions is equal, combine them, and cancel out electrons and any other species that appear on both sides.

Note that, due to the nature of the reaction and the reactants provided, the exact balance of this equation may require additional steps or considerations, such as the presence of an acidic or basic medium.

Finally, confirm that both mass and charge are balanced. Every atom type should have the same number on both sides of the equation, and the total charge should also be the same.