How do you balance this: Co(NO3)2(aq) HNO2(aq) -----> NO(g) Co(NO3)3(aq) H2O(l)

Question

When I do the complete net ionic equation, do I have to separate 2H2O?

Answer 1

Trial and error is how you balance a chemical reaction.

Co(NO3)2 + HNO2 --> NO + Co(NO3)3 + H2O

Balanced:

Co(NO3)2 + 4HNO2 --> 3NO + Co(NO3)3 + 2H2O.

It's best if you double-check my work since I'm not so good at balancing.

Answer 2

trial & error method will work on most reaction equations, except when there is an oxidation/reduction, we normally need to balance the electrons taken with those lost

but she did good, I agree with her answer

she's got my vote

Co(NO3)2 + 4HNO2 = 3NO + Co(NO3)3 + 2H2O

Answer 3

a[ Co(NO3)2(aq) ] + b[ HNO2(aq) ] -----> c[ NO(g) ] + d[ Co(NO3)3(aq) ] + e[ H2O(l) ]

Co : a - d = 0   =>   a = d

H : b - 2e = 0   =>   b = 2e

N : 2a + b - c - 3d = 0   =>   b - a - c = 0  =>  2e - a - c = 0

O : 6a + 2b - c - 9d - e = 0   =>   3e - 3a - c = 0

3e - 3a - c = 0

2e - a - c = 0

e - 2a = 0  => e = 2a  => c = 3a  =>  b = 4a

a = 1 , b = 4 , c = 3 , d = 1 , e =2

Co(NO3)2(aq) + 4 HNO2(aq) -----> 3 NO(g) + Co(NO3)3(aq) + 2 H2O(l)