Question

balancing using oxidation numbers:
HNO3 + Zn --> Zn(NO3)2 + H2O + NH4NO3
I have tried some but I just cant seem to get the hang of it. Please help.

Answer 1

@callisto

Answer 2

\[10HNO _{3}+4Zn \rightarrow 4Zn(NO_{3})_{2}+3H_{2}O+NH_{4}NO_{3}\]

Answer 3

@veximeer, how did u work it out?

Answer 4

\(HNO3 + Zn --> Zn(NO3)2 + H2O + NH4NO3\)

\(NO_3 \ ^- + Zn \ -> Zn^{2+} + NH_4^+\)
ON of N in HNO3 = +5
ON of Zn = 0

ON of N in NH4^+ = -3
ON of Zn in Zn(NO3)2 = +2

Change in ON in N = -3 - (+5) = -8
Change in ON in Zn = +2 - 0 = +2
To balance the change in ON, we need to multiply Zn by 4
So, you'll get

\(NO_3 \ ^- + 4Zn \ -> 4Zn^{2+} + NH_4^+\)

Next, balance the no. of O in the equation by adding water molecules

\(NO_3 \ ^- + 4Zn \ -> 4Zn^{2+} + NH_4^+ +3H_2O\)

Now, balance the number of H in the both sides.
\(10H^+ +NO_3 \ ^- + 4Zn \ -> 4Zn^{2+} + NH_4^+ +3H_2O\)

So, adding 9 \(NO_3^- \) to both sides to get the original equation.

\(10HNO_3 + 4Zn \ -> 4Zn(NO_3)_2 +3H_2O + NH_4NO_3\)

Answer 5

thank you!

Answer 6

Welcome