Final answer:
The equation provided by the student is unbalanced and needs correction. A correct example of a balanced chemical equation is Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + 2 NaCl (aq) → 2 NaNO3 (aq) + PbCl2 (s), which respects the law of conservation of mass by having an equal number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The given chemical equation is: Pb(s) + NO3- (aq) long right arrow Pb2+ (aq) + NO(g)
This equation is not balanced as it stands. However, to balance it, we might consider a different reaction example that is balanced: Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + 2 NaCl (aq) → 2 NaNO3 (aq) + PbCl2 (s)
After counting the number of each atom on both sides of the equation, we find that:
- There is 1 Pb atom on both the reactant and product sides.
- There are 2 Na atoms on both the reactant and product sides.
- There are 2 Cl atoms on both the reactant and product sides.
- There are 2 NO3 ions on both the reactant and product sides.
This equation demonstrates the principles of balancing a chemical equation and ensures that the law of conservation of mass is observed. In a balanced equation, the number of each type of atom is equal on both sides of the equation, meaning no atoms are lost or gained in the chemical reaction.