Balance the following equation: NH3 + O2 → NO + H2O

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

The balanced equation is 2NH3 (g) + 5/2 O2 (g) → 2NO (g) + 3H2O (l). All chemical equations require balance. This requires that on both sides of the arrow, each type of atom must be present in exactly the same number. This is because the conservation of mass is a byproduct of all chemical reactions. Find the number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms on either side of the arrow. Two hydrogen atoms can be found in both the reactants and the products.

In this post, we will go through the step-by-step solution for the question “Balance the following equation: NH3+O2→NO+H2O”

Table of content

1. NH3 + O2 → NO + H2O, Balance the Equation.
2. Balance the following equation: NH3 + O2 → NO + H2O

NH3 + O2 → NO + H2O, Balance the Equation.

Making both sides of the reaction, the reactants and the products, equal in the number of atoms per element is the ultimate goal of balancing chemical equations. This is due to the fundamental principle of the conservation of mass, according to which matter cannot be created or destroyed. The steps to the balanced equation the NH3 + O2 → NO + H2O are as follows:

Step 1: Given chemical equation is

NH3 + O2 → NO + H2O

Step 2: The procedure used to balance the equation

The following method is the conventional way to balance chemical equations:

Initial comparison should be made between the total number of atoms of each element on the reactant and product sides.
To molecules containing an element with differing atom counts on the reactant and product sides, add stoichiometric factors.
Each side’s atom count must be balanced by the coefficient.
The hydrogen and oxygen stoichiometric coefficients are often given last.
By dividing the total number of atoms of an element present in 1 molecule of the species by the stoichiometric coefficient, one can determine the number of atoms of that element in a given species.
Repeat this procedure until there are an equal number of atoms of each reactive element on both the reactant and product sides.

Step 3: Balancing the given chemical equation

The given chemical equation is:

NH3 + O2→ NO + H2O

Reactant side:

1 Nitrogen atom
3 Hydrogen atoms
2 Oxygen atoms

Product side:

1 Nitrogen atom
2 Hydrogen atoms
2 Oxygen atoms

First, the atoms of hydrogen are balanced. After being balanced, the equation is: 2NH3 + O2 → NO + 3H2O

Atoms of nitrogen are then balanced. After being balanced, the equation is:2NH3 + O2 → 2NO + 3H2O

The oxygen atoms are balanced at this point. After being balanced, the equation is: 2NH3 + 5/2 O2 → 2NO + 3H2O

The updated equation is: 2NH3 + 5/2 O2→ 2NO + 3H2O

Reactant side:

2 Nitrogen atom
6 Hydrogen atoms
5 Oxygen atoms

Product side:

2 Nitrogen atom
6 Hydrogen atoms
5 Oxygen atoms

The equation is balanced because there are an equal number of all the atoms of the reacting components on both the reactant and product sides.

Hence, the balanced equation is 2NH3 (g) + 5/2 O2 (g) → 2NO (g) + 3H2O (l)

Summary: