Question

zn(s) + hno₃(aq) → zn(no₃)₂(aq) + h₂(g)
express your answer as a chemical equation. identify all of the phases in your answer. keep the order of compounds as in the original equation.

Explanation:

Step1: Balance zinc atoms

There is 1 Zn atom on the left and 1 Zn atom on the right. So, Zn is already balanced.

Step2: Balance nitrate ions

There is 1 \(NO_3^-\) on the left and 2 \(NO_3^-\) on the right. So, multiply \(HNO_3\) by 2.
\(Zn(s)+2HNO_3(aq)\to Zn(NO_3)_2(aq)+H_2(g)\)

Step3: Balance hydrogen atoms

After multiplying \(HNO_3\) by 2, there are 2 H atoms on the left and 2 H atoms on the right. So, the equation is balanced.

Answer:

\(Zn(s)+2HNO_3(aq)\to Zn(NO_3)_2(aq)+H_2(g)\)