Question

Complete and balance the reaction in acidic solution:
ZnS+NO₃^-.
​

Answer 1

Balancing reactions in acidic solutions involves identifying the oxidation and reduction half-reactions, balancing the atoms and charges, and combining the half-reactions. An example of such a reaction is zinc metal reacting with sulfuric acid to produce zinc sulfate and hydrogen gas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asked to complete and balance a redox reaction between zinc sulfide (ZnS) and nitrate ions (NO3−) in an acidic solution. In acidic conditions, we can add H+ ions to balance charges in the equation. The balancing of this redox reaction involves identifying the oxidation and reduction half-reactions and ensuring that both mass and charge are conserved.

To balance a reaction in an acidic solution, we would follow this procedure:

1. Write separate oxidation and reduction half-reactions.
2. Balance all elements except hydrogen and oxygen.
3. Balance oxygen atoms by adding H2O.
4. Balance hydrogen atoms by adding H+ ions.
5. Balance charges by adding electrons.
6. Make the number of electrons lost equal to the number gained in both half-reactions by multiplying by suitable coefficients.
7. Combine the balanced half-reactions while canceling out electrons and any other species that appear on both sides of the reaction.

Example Balanced Reaction in an Acidic Solution

For a similar reaction involving zinc and an acid:

Zn (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)

In this example, solid zinc metal reacts with sulfuric acid to produce a salt, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and hydrogen gas (H2). It represents a common type of reaction where an acid and a metal react to produce a salt and hydrogen gas.