Balanced Redox Reaction: Mg + HNO₃ → Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + H₂O | JEE Chemistry

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⚗️ Balance the Equation: Mg + HNO₃ ⟶ Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + H₂O

❓ Question:

Balance the following chemical equation:
Mg + HNO₃ ⟶ Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + H₂O

Balance the following chemical equation: Mg + HNO₃ ⟶ Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + H₂O

This question appears simple at first glance, but it actually requires deep understanding of redox reactions and balancing complex equations.

🎯 Key Concepts Tested:

  • Oxidation and reduction processes

  • Balancing redox equations using ion-electron method or oxidation number method

  • Conservation of mass and conservation of charge

  • Identifying oxidizing and reducing agents

  • Understanding product formation in acidic medium (presence of HNO₃)

🧠 Step-by-Step Solution Strategy:

Step 1: Identify oxidation states

Let’s determine oxidation states of all elements in reactants and products:

  • Mg (0) → Mg²⁺ in Mg(NO₃)₂
    → Oxidation (Mg is losing electrons)

  • N in HNO₃: +5

  • N in N₂O: +1
    → Reduction (N is gaining electrons)

Step 2: Write unbalanced half-reactions

Oxidation (Mg):
Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻

Reduction (N):
2 HNO₃ → N₂O + H₂O
Here, we observe a change in oxidation state from +5 to +1.
Each nitrogen gains 4 electrons. Since N₂O has 2 nitrogen atoms, total electrons gained = 8e⁻

So we’ll need 4 magnesium atoms (4 × 2 = 8e⁻) to balance electrons.

Step 3: Balance atoms and charges

After balancing atoms and charges in acidic medium:

Balanced Reaction:
4Mg + 10HNO₃ ⟶ 4Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + 5H₂O

✅ Final Balanced Equation:

4Mg + 10HNO₃ ⟶ 4Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + 5H₂O

🔍 Why This Question is Important:

  • Combines multiple concepts: oxidation numbers, acidic medium, electron transfer

  • Found in previous year JEE Main & Advanced papers

  • Builds confidence in redox reaction types like metal + acid reactions

  • Improves balancing speed and reaction intuition – both needed for Physical Chemistry mastery

📷 Solution Image:

Balance the following chemical equation: Mg + HNO₃ ⟶ Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + H₂O
Balance the following chemical equation: Mg + HNO₃ ⟶ Mg(NO₃)₂ + N₂O + H₂O

📽️ Watch Video Explanation:

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