Unbalanced Equation:
AgNO₃ (aq) + Cu (s) → Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + Ag (s)
Balancing Steps:
1. Count atoms on each side:
- Reactants: 1 Ag, 1 N, 3 O, 1 Cu
- Products: 1 Cu, 2 N, 6 O, 1 Ag
2. Balance the nitrates (NO₃):
- Place a coefficient of 2 in front of AgNO₃ on the reactant side.
- 2 AgNO₃ (aq) + Cu (s) → Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + Ag (s)
3. Balance the silver (Ag):
- Place a coefficient of 2 in front of Ag on the product side.
- 2 AgNO₃ (aq) + Cu (s) → Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2 Ag (s)
Balanced Equation:
2 AgNO₃ (aq) + Cu (s) → Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2 Ag (s)
Explanation:
This reaction is a single displacement reaction where copper (Cu) is more reactive than silver (Ag). Copper displaces silver from its nitrate solution, forming copper nitrate and solid silver. The balanced equation ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the reaction.
