nitric acid and sodium equation

Chic_Bowdrie · May 6, 2012, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hello411

i know it si HNO3 Na = NaN03 H2

But how do i balance it please

Your reaction is probably HNO3 + Na => NaN03 + H2. There are general rules for balancing chemical equations and some are so complicated that following the rules is crucial. This equation is not like that. The main thing to notice is the primary elements N and Na are already balanced. So is O. All you have to do is insert 1/2 in front of the H2 and the equation balances. Its OK to multiply both sides by 2 and express the final answer as 2HNO3 + 2Na => 2NaNO3 + H2

Hello411 · May 7, 2012, 08:22 AM

Thanks but the problem is i never understand when you are supose to cross valency basically i am not getting chemistry at all especially moles.!

Chic_Bowdrie · May 14, 2012, 04:34 PM

It is hard to balance equations if you don't know the valences involved. To know the valences you have to learn the characteristics of the reactants and products. In this problem NO3 has a net valence of -1 and it does not change during the reaction. The Na ion is losing an electron and its valence goes from 0 to +1. To balance, H is originally +1 but picks up the electron from the Na and goes to a valence of 0. The coefficient of 2 is needed because H is normally combined as a diatomic molecule.

I guess this is one reason Chem is hard. There is no short cut. You have to figure out the valences of the components in the reaction to balance it.

Hello411 · May 15, 2012, 08:28 AM

Thanks

SHALEEN MEHTA · Jul 24, 2012, 07:14 AM

HNO3 + Na = NaNO3 + H2O IS IT CORRECT?

Chic_Bowdrie · Jul 26, 2012, 08:10 AM

No, Shaleen, it is not.

Na and NO3 are combining in a single replacement oxidation-reduction reaction. There is no source of any further O available to create a H2O molecule. Na is oxidized to Na+ and H+ is reduced to H2. The valence of H in H2O is still +1.

nitric acid and sodium equation

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