Balance the following equations. (a) Mg + HNO 3 → H 2 + Mg(NO 3 ) 2

Hey everyone. Let's go ahead and balance this chemical reaction first. We're going to need to count the number of atoms we have on both sides. Starting off with our react inside, we have two of iron, three of sulfur and two of hydrogen in our product side. We have one of iron, one of sulfur and two of hydrogen 1st. Let's go ahead and balance out our iron. Now, if we add a coefficient of two prior to our iron in our product side, we end up balancing our irons perfectly. Now let's go ahead and look at our sulfur and our hydrogen. Now in order to balance out our cell furs, we're going to have to add a coefficient of three prior to our hydrogen sulfide. And when we do that, we change the number of sulfur and hydrogen we have in our product side. So we have three of sulfur and six of hydrogen since we have six of hydrogen. Now let's go ahead and look at our react inside and we can fix this by adding a three prior to our hydrogen gas, Which gives us six of hydrogen. So our final balanced chemical reaction is going to be like this. So I hope this made sense. And let us know if you have any questions

Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions

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McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions

Problem 38a

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Chapter 3, Problem 38a

Balance the following equations. (a) Mg + HNO₃ → H₂ + Mg(NO₃)₂

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Identify the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation: Mg, H, N, and O.

Start by balancing the metals: Ensure there is one Mg atom on both sides of the equation.

Balance the hydrogen atoms: There are 2 H atoms in H2, so ensure the same number of H atoms on the reactant side by adjusting the coefficient of HNO3.

Balance the nitrogen atoms: Adjust the coefficient of HNO3 to ensure the same number of N atoms on both sides.

Balance the oxygen atoms: Adjust the coefficients to ensure the same number of O atoms on both sides, considering the NO3 groups.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Coefficients are used to adjust the quantities of reactants and products to achieve balance.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Understanding the types of chemical reactions, such as single displacement, double displacement, synthesis, and decomposition, is crucial for balancing equations. In the given equation, magnesium (Mg) displaces hydrogen from nitric acid (HNO3), indicating a single displacement reaction. Recognizing the type helps predict the products and their stoichiometry.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on their molar ratios. It allows chemists to determine how much of each substance is needed or produced in a reaction. In balancing equations, stoichiometric coefficients are adjusted to reflect the correct proportions of reactants and products, ensuring the equation adheres to the conservation of mass.

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