3Zn + 8HNO₃⇒ 3Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2NO + 4H₂O
Further explanation
Equalization of chemical reaction equations can be done using variables. Steps in equalizing the reaction equation:
- 1. gives a coefficient on substances involved in the equation of reaction such as a, b, or c etc.
- 2. make an equation based on the similarity of the number of atoms where the number of atoms = coefficient × index between reactant and product
- 3. Select the coefficient of the substance with the most complex chemical formula equal to 1
For gas combustion reaction which is a reaction of hydrocarbons with oxygen produces CO₂ and H₂O (water vapor). can use steps:
Balancing C atoms, H and the last O atoms
Reaction
Zn + HNO₃⇒ Zn(NO₃)₂ + NO + H₂O
aZn + bHNO₃⇒ Zn(NO₃)₂ + cNO + dH₂O
Zn : left = a, right =1 ⇒a=1
H : left = b, right = 2d⇒ b=2d (eq 1)
N : left = b, right = 2+c⇒b=2+c (eq 2)
O : left = 3b, right = 6+c+d ⇒3b=6+c+d(eq 3)
3(2d)=6+c+d
6d=6+c+d
5d=6+c (eq 4)
3(2+c)=6+c+d
6+3c=6+c+d
2c=d (eq 5)
5(2c)=6+c
10c=6+c
9c=6
c = 2/3
d = 2 x 2/3
d = 4/3
b = 2 x 4/3
b = 8/3
The equation
aZn + bHNO₃⇒ Zn(NO₃)₂ + cNO + dH₂O to
Zn + 8/3HNO₃⇒ Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2/3NO + 4/3H₂O x 3
3Zn + 8HNO₃⇒ 3Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2NO + 4H₂O
