Balance the equation: S + HNO3→ H2SO4 + NO2 + H2O
Balanced equation: S + 6HNO3→ H2SO4 + 6NO2 + 2H2O
Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation
S + HNO3→ H2SO4 + NO2 + H2O
Step 2: Compare the number of atoms of reactants with the number of atoms of products.
Step 3: Now, first let us consider nitrogen atom. If we multiply 6 in the reactant (HNO3) and product (in NO2), we will get the equal number of atoms.
Step 4: Write the resulting equation:
S + 6HNO3→ H2SO4 + 6NO2 + H2O
Step 5: Now check whether the equation is balanced or not by comparing the atoms
We find that the equation is not balanced yet. As the number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms are unequal on the two sides.
first balance the oxygen atom.
Step 6: If we multiply 2 in the product (in H2O) and 6, we will get the equal number of oxygen atoms on both sides.
Step 7: Write the resulting equation:
S + 6HNO3→ H2SO4 + 6NO2 + 2H2O
Step 8: Now check whether the equation is balanced or not by comparing the atoms.
Step 9: Write the resulting equation:
S + 6HNO3→ H2SO4 + 6NO2 + 2H2O
We find that the equation is balanced now.
Step 10: Write down the final balanced equation:
S + 6HNO3→ H2SO4 + 6NO2 + 2H2O