Question

Given the double displacement reaction between aqueous solutions of copper (II) nitrate and barium hydroxide: in the balanced molecular equation the coefficient of copper (II) nitrate is____ , the coefficient of barium hydroxide is_____ , the coefficient of the product containing barium ion is_____ , and the coefficient of the product containing copper (II) ion is_____ .
(hint: it takes a couple of steps to correctly answer this question. Remember to work through the examples in the Ch. 6 lecture notes on how to balance equations as practice.

First, write the symbols for the cations and anions you are given by name: copper (II) ion, nitrate ion, barium ion, and hydroxide ion.

Put these together in the correct ratios to write the molecular formulas for the reactants, copper (II) nitrate and barium hydroxide. Review Chapter 4 if you don't remember how to do this.

Now write the correct molecular formulas for the two product compounds. Remember: double displacement is taking place! The cations and anions are swapping with each other.

Balance the equation. Be sure to include the state for each compound, which is given to you in the problem. This is your molecular equation.)

Answer 1

1. The symbols for the cations and anions you are given by name:

copper (II) ion : Cu²⁺

nitrate ion : NO^3-

barium ion: Ba²⁺

hydroxide ion OH^-

2. molecular formulas for the reactants

copper (II) nitrate : Cu(NO₃)₂

barium hydroxide: Ba(OH)₂

3. Balanced chemical equation for reaction of aqueous solutions of copper (II) nitrate and barium hydroxide is:

Cu(NO₃)₂ (aq) + Ba(OH)₂ (aq) Cu(OH)₂ (s) + Ba(NO₃)₂ (aq)

The coefficient of copper (II) nitrate is 1 , the coefficient of barium hydroxide is 1 , the coefficient of the product containing barium ion is 1 , and the coefficient of the product containing copper (II) ion is 1.