Question

Balance the reaction shown below, and determine the ratio of potassium (K) to copper (Cu) Cu(NO3)2 + K → KNO3 + Cu (1 point) Responses 1:1 1:1 2:1 2:1 3:2 3:2 2:2

Answer 1

To balance the given reaction \( \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + \text{K} \rightarrow \text{KNO}_3 + \text{Cu} \), let's start by balancing the equation step by step.

1. **Write the unbalanced equation:**
\[
\text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + \text{K} \rightarrow \text{KNO}_3 + \text{Cu}
\]

2. **Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation:**
- Left side:
- Cu: 1
- N: 2 (from 2 NO3)
- O: 6 (from 2 NO3)
- K: 1
- Right side:
- Cu: 1
- N: 1 (from 1 KNO3)
- O: 3 (from 1 KNO3)
- K: 1

3. **Balance the N and K:**
Since there are 2 nitrogen atoms on the left side (from Cu(NO3)2), we'll need 2 KNO3 on the right side to get 2 nitrogen atoms:
\[
\text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2\text{K} \rightarrow 2\text{KNO}_3 + \text{Cu}
\]

4. **Now recount the atoms:**
- Left side:
- Cu: 1
- N: 2
- O: 6
- K: 2
- Right side:
- Cu: 1
- N: 2 (from 2 KNO3)
- O: 6 (from 2 KNO3)
- K: 2

Now both sides are balanced, and we have:
\[
\text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2\text{K} \rightarrow 2\text{KNO}_3 + \text{Cu}
\]

5. **Determine the ratio of potassium (K) to copper (Cu):**
From the balanced equation:
- 2 K (potassium)
- 1 Cu (copper)

Thus, the ratio of K to Cu is:
\[
\text{K:Cu} = 2:1
\]

The final answer is:
**2:1**.