Balance the following chemical equations. (AS1)

Hg(NO₃)₂ + KI HgI₂ + KNO₃

Hg(NO₃)₂ + KI HgI₂ + KNO₃

Balanced equation: Hg(NO₃)₂ + 2KI HgI₂ + 2KNO₃

Explanation:

⇒Step 1: Write the given unbalanced equation

Hg(NO₃)₂ + KI HgI₂ + KNO₃

⇒Step 2: Compare the number of atoms of reactants with the number of atoms of products.

⇒Step 3: Now, first we consider the element having unequal no. of atoms on both sides. First, let us consider iodine atom. If we multiply 2 in the reactant (in KI), we will get the equal number of atoms as in product (HgI₂)

⇒Step 4: Write the resulting equation:

Hg(NO₃)₂ + 2KI HgI₂ + KNO₃

⇒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 oxygen, nitrogen and potassium atoms are unequal on the two sides.

First balance the potassium number.

⇒Step 6: Now, let us consider potassium atom. If we multiply 2 in the product (KNO₃), we will get the equal number of atoms as in reactant (in KI)

⇒Step 7: Write the resulting equation:

Hg(NO₃)₂ + 2KI HgI₂ + 2KNO₃

⇒Step 8: Now check whether the equation is balanced or not by comparing the atoms.

We find that the equation is balanced now.

⇒Step 9: Write down the final balanced equation:

Hg(NO₃)₂ + 2KI HgI₂ + 2KNO₃