Question

Balance using the standard redox method:
Cu + HNO₃ + H⁺ => Cu₂⁺ + NO + H₂O

Answer 1

To balance the given redox equation, follow the standard method which involves several steps including balancing the half-reactions and adding H⁺ and H₂O to balance O and H atoms respectively. The balanced equation for the given reaction in acidic solution is: 3Cu(s) + 6H⁺(aq) + 2HNO₃(aq) → 3Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO(g) + 4H₂O(l)

Step-by-step explanation:

The given reaction is a redox reaction that involves the oxidation of copper and the reduction of nitric acid. In order to balance the equation using the standard redox method, we need to follow a series of steps:

1. Write skeletal equations for the oxidation and reduction half-reactions.
2. Balance each half-reaction for all elements except H and O.
3. Balance each half-reaction for O by adding H₂O.
4. Balance each half-reaction for H by adding H⁺.
5. Multiply one or both half-reactions if necessary to make the number of electrons consumed in one equal to the number produced in the other.
6. Add the two balanced half-reactions and simplify.

Following these steps, the balanced equation for the given reaction in acidic solution is:

3Cu(s) + 6H⁺(aq) + 2HNO₃(aq) → 3Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO(g) + 4H₂O(l)