Final answer:
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between zinc and nitric acid is Zn(s) + 2HNO₃(aq) → Zn(NO₃)₂(aq) + H₂(g), indicating the solid, aqueous, and gas phases of the reactants and products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical equation representing the reaction between zinc (Zn) and nitric acid (HNO₃) can be written as follows: Zn(s) + 2HNO₃(aq) → Zn(NO₃)₂(aq) + H₂(g). In this balanced chemical equation, the solid zinc (Zn) reacts with the aqueous nitric acid (HNO₃) to produce zinc nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂) in its aqueous form and release hydrogen gas (H₂).
The phases of each compound are indicated by the symbols (s) for solid, (aq) for aqueous solutions, and (g) for gases. This reaction can be compared to similar reactions involving zinc, such as the reaction of zinc with hydrochloric acid to form aqueous zinc chloride and hydrogen gas: Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂ (aq) + H₂(g)