Answer: Zn + 2HNO3 -> Zn(NO3)2 + 2NO2
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance the chemical equation:
Zn + HNO3 -> Zn(NO3)2 + NO2
We need to make sure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Let's balance it step by step:
Balance the zinc (Zn) atoms:
There is 1 zinc atom on the left side, and there are 1 zinc atom on the right side. Zinc is already balanced.
Balance the nitrogen (N) atoms:
There is 1 nitrogen atom in HNO3 on the left side, and there are 2 nitrogen atoms in Zn(NO3)2 on the right side. To balance the nitrogen atoms, we'll place a coefficient of 2 in front of HNO3 on the left side:
Zn + 2HNO3 -> Zn(NO3)2 + NO2
Balance the hydrogen (H) atoms:
There are 2 hydrogen atoms in HNO3 on the left side, and there are 2 hydrogen atoms in NO2 on the right side. Hydrogen is already balanced.
Balance the oxygen (O) atoms:
On the left side, there are 6 oxygen atoms in HNO3 (2 from H and 4 from NO3) and 2 oxygen atoms in Zn(NO3)2. On the right side, there are 2 oxygen atoms in NO2. To balance the oxygen atoms, we'll adjust the coefficients:
Zn + 2HNO3 -> Zn(NO3)2 + 2NO2
Now, all the atoms are balanced on both sides of the equation:
Zinc: 1 (left) = 1 (right)
Nitrogen: 2 (left) = 2 (right)
Hydrogen: 2 (left) = 2 (right)
Oxygen: 6 (left) = 6 (right)
The equation is balanced.