Question

Cu + HNO3 --> Cu(NO3)2 + NO + H2O
how to balance... WILL GIVE 15 POINTS

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

3Cu + 2HNO3 --> 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 2H2O

Answer 2

3 Cu + 8 HNO3 --> 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 2 NO + 4 H2O

Step-by-step explanation:

Make sure both sides are equal

3 Cu + 8 HNO3 --> 3 Cu(NO3)2 + 2 NO + 4 H2O

// start by those elements that change their oxidation degree

Cu and N

// also you can write reduction-oxidation reactions

`Cu^(0)` + 2
`e^(-)` -->
`Cu^(-2)` | 2

`N^(+5)` - 3
`e^(-)` -->
`N^(+2)` | 3

// write the numbers of electrons that are lost/gained as the coefficients of the opposite elements

// then check if H and O are the same on both sides

// adjust if they aren't.