Chemistry A Level balancing redox equations =(

Cu(s) + H+(aq) + NO^3-(aq) -> Cu^2+(aq) + NO2(g) + H2O(l)
Ps. You cannot add any extra O2/H2O/e-
Hi there! I found this to be tricky so any lovely chem lords please do enlighten me on specifically HOW to tackle questions like these?

I've been struggling with redox for a while but this question, I just don't know where to start!

If there's any set of steps you follow or method for this please do let me know!

Thanks!! :biggrin:

Reply 1

CheeseIsVeg

Original post by R4kZ920

Hi there

Yeah these can be really tricky!
I like to start with seeing which atoms are balanced and not.
I'll list them chronologically on each side
Then tally them up
Then do the same for charges
Then using trial and error I just work out how to balance it.
Usually the key is in the charges
Ie: here it is easily seen that the problem is on the left hand side - to balance the charge to get 2+ lots needs to change!

See here: https://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=4990.0

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