Question

How do you balance
$Mg + HN{O_3} \to Mg{(N{O_3})_2} + {H_2}$

Answer 1

Hint In order to balance the given chemical equation, we must have an idea about what a balanced equation is. We should know how to balance a chemical equation. The given chemical equation is balanced when the number of atoms present in the reactants and the product's side is equal.

Complete step by step solution:
Let us first understand about the chemical equation. The chemical reaction which is represented by a chemical symbol is called the chemical equation. A chemical equation will have a reactant, product and an arrow to represent the direction in which the chemical reaction is taking place. The given chemical equation is balanced when the number of atoms present in the reactants and the product's side is equal.
Let us now move to the given question. In order to balance the given chemical equation, we have to see whether the elements present on both sides are equal or not. On the right side there are two hydrogen atoms present. Therefore, to balance the number of hydrogens, we have to multiply $HN{O_3}$ by 2.
Therefore, the above equation becomes
$Mg + 2HN{O_3} \to Mg{(N{O_3})_2} + {H_2}$
The magnesium atom present on both sides is 1, the hydrogen atoms present on both sides is 2, the Nitrogen atoms present on both sides is 2 and the oxygen atoms present on both sides is 6.
Hence, we have balanced the equation.

Note: - Let us note certain points that while writing a chemical reaction, we should always remember to balance the chemical equation.
- The unbalanced chemical equation is considered to be incomplete or incorrect.