Question

help balance this redox equation:
HNO3 + Zn(s) <==> NO(s) + ZnO
...i know i need H2O and possibly H+

Answer 1

Where did you get this reaction. I don't buy into ZnO. More likely Zn(NO3)2.

Answer 2

its from our che 302 hw...
the answer choices are:
1. 2 HNO3 + 3 Zn(s) <==> 2 NO(s) + 3 ZnO + H2O

2. 2 HNO3 + 3 Zn(s) <==> 2 NO(s) + 3 ZnO

3. HNO3 + Zn(s) + H+ <==> NO(s) + ZnO + H2O

4. 3 HNO3 + 2 Zn(s) <==> 3 NO(s) + 2 ZnO

5. 3 HNO3 + 2 Zn(s) + 7 H+ <==> 3 NO(s) + 2 ZnO + 5 H2O

Answer 3

And what is your problem in doing it yourself? That is, what do you not understand?

Answer 4

im thinking its either 1 or 3 but im not sure if i need to add in H+ or not..

Answer 5

Again, what do you not understand about it? You don't want to guess, you want to KNOW you are right.
Here is a hint:
For a redox equation to be balanced, it must contain two things:
1. Atoms must balance.
2. Transfer of electrons must balance.
So count the atoms on both sides and count the exchange of electrons.

You didn't type all of the question, I suppose, but from what you posted it doesn't ask what must be added. It asks which of the choices is correct.