Balance the following reaction. a coefficient of "1" is understood. choose option "blank" for the correct answer if the coefficient is "1." koh + cu(no3)2 kno3 + cu(oh)2 a) blank b) 2 c) 3 d) 4

2KOH + [blank]Cu(NO₃)₂⟶ 2KNO₃ + [blank]Cu(OH)₂

Explanation:

Step 1. Start with the most complicated-looking formula [Cu(NO₃)₂].

Put a 1 in front of it and balance its atoms.

KOH + 1Cu(NO₃)₂⟶ KNO₃ + Cu(OH)₂

Step 2. Balance Cu.

We have fixed 1 Cu on the left. We need 1 Cu on the right. Put a 1 in front of Cu(OH)₂.

KOH + 1Cu(NO₃)₂⟶ KNO₃ + 1Cu(OH)₂

Step 3. Balance N.

We have fixed 2 N on the left-hand side. We need 2 N atoms on the right. Put a 2 in front of KNO₃.

KOH + 1Cu(NO₃)₂⟶ 2KNO₃ + 1Cu(OH)₂

Step 4: Balance O

We have fixed 8 O on the right and 6 O on the left. We need 2 more O atoms on the left.Put a 2 in front of KOH.  

2KOH + 1Cu(NO₃)₂⟶ 2KNO₃ + 1Cu(OH)₂

Every formula now has a coefficient. The equation should be balanced. Let’s check.

Atom  On the left  On the right

  K               2                  2

  N               2                  2

  Cu             1                   1

  O               8                  8

All atoms are balanced.

The balanced equation is

2KOH + [blank]Cu(NO₃)₂⟶ 2KNO₃ + [blank]Cu(OH)₂