Write balanced chemical equations for each of the following reactions: (d) Nitrogen dioxide dissolves in water to form nitric acid and nitric oxide.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the reaction: Nitrogen dioxide (NO_2) and water (H_2O) are the reactants, while nitric acid (HNO_3) and nitric oxide (NO) are the products.
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation using the chemical formulas of the reactants and products: NO_2 + H_2O → HNO_3 + NO.
3. Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
4. Start by balancing the nitrogen atoms. There are two nitrogen atoms in the reactants (from 2 NO_2), so ensure there are two nitrogen atoms in the products.
5. Balance the oxygen atoms. Count the total number of oxygen atoms on each side and adjust coefficients as necessary to balance them.

Key Concepts

Chemical Equations

A chemical equation represents a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas. It shows the reactants on the left side and the products on the right, separated by an arrow. Balancing the equation ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides, adhering to the law of conservation of mass.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. In this context, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) reacts with water (H2O) to form nitric acid (HNO3), which is an acid, and nitric oxide (NO), which is a neutral product. Understanding the properties of acids and bases is crucial for predicting the products of such reactions.

Dissolution and Reaction Mechanisms

Dissolution refers to the process of a solute (like nitrogen dioxide) interacting with a solvent (water) to form a solution. In this case, NO2 reacts with H2O, leading to the formation of HNO3 and NO. Recognizing how gases dissolve in liquids and the subsequent reactions that occur is essential for writing accurate balanced equations.