How do you balance N2O5 plus H2O yields HNO3?

Answer 1

N2O5 + H2O == HNO3 + HNO3

Usually written as N2O5 + H2O = 2HNO3

You have 2 x nitrogen in N2O5 , so 2 x nitrogen in the products, one each in the two molecules of nitric acid.

You have 2 x hydrogen in H2O , so 2 x hydrogen in the products, one each in the two molecules of nitric acid.

You have 5 oxygens in N2O5 + 1 oxygen in water making for 6 oxygens. These oxygen are equally shared ( 3 each) in the two nitric acid molecules.

However, we do not write ' HNO3 + HNO3 ' in chemistry , but use a little bit of 'shorthand' and write it as ' 2HNO3 '. to indicate that there are two(2) molecules of nitric acid formed.

Answer 2

To balance the equation N2O5 + H2O → 2HNO3, start by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Then adjust the coefficients in front of each compound to balance the equation. In this case, you need to put a coefficient of 2 in front of HNO3 on the product side to balance the nitrogens and oxygens.

Answer 3

N2O5 + H2O = 2 HNO3