Question

Cu + 3H(NO3) --> Cu(NO3)2 + NO2 + H2O
How the hec do you balance that?

Answer 1

do you know the method of oxidation numbers?

Answer 2

Yes, I'm familiar with the oxidation rules

Answer 3

ok, try putting in oxidation numbers and balancing the equation that way.

Answer 4

Hmm, i'm familiar with the oxidation rules but not sure how to use those oxidation numbers to find the right coefficients

Answer 5

ok, I will post something for you later tonight to try and help

Answer 6

much appreciated!

Answer 7

try the coefficients 1,4,1,2,2

Answer 8

I know the answer, just don't know how to get there

Answer 9

I'm balancing it by inspection and get stuck on balancing oxygen

Answer 10

ok, first thing to do is get rid of the three in the equation.
Always start balancing an equation by looking for elements that appear in one reactant and one product
So for this equation start with copper or hydrogen.
Copper is already balanced (1:1)
Hydrogen ...one on the left, two on the right so put a 2 in front of HNO3.
Now hydrogens are balanced but not nitrogens ...
So add 1 more HNO3 to the left nitrogens balance but the hydrogens are now not balanced...add one more HNO3 (so you have a total of four).
Now the nitrogens are not balanced so change the 1 for NO2 to a 2.
Now you have to change the 1 in front of water to 2 in order to rebalance the hydrogen
Now check to see if the oxygens are balanced.