Answer
The balanced equation for the reaction is:
$O_2(g) + 2NO(g) --\gt 2NO_2(g)$
Work Step by Step
1. As we have determined in 7.77a, the reactants are: $O_2$ and $NO$, and the product is: $NO_2$.
- Write the unbalanced equation:
$O_2(g) + NO(g) --\gt NO_2(g)$
2. Balance the number of nitrogen atoms, by putting a "$\frac{1}{2}$" as the coefficient of $O_2$.
$\frac{1}{2}O_2(g) + NO(g) --\gt NO_2(g)$
3. In order to remove the fraction, multiply all the coefficients by 2.
$O_2(g) + 2NO(g) --\gt 2NO_2(g)$
- The equation is balanced.
