Question

How do you balance this equation: `AgNO_3 + NaCl -> AgCI + NaNO_3`?

Answer 1

Your equation is already balanced.

Explanation:

`AgNO_3(aq) + NaCl(aq) rarr AgCl(s)darr + NaNO_3(aq)`

Silver chloride will precipitate from solution as a curdy white because of its exceptional insolubility in water. The other materials are along for the ride and will remain in water as the aquated ions, `Na^+(aq)`, `NO_3^(-)(aq)` etc.

We could write the business end of this equation, as the net ionic equation:

`Ag^(+)(aq) + Cl^(-)(aq) rarr AgCl(s)darr`

Note that as in all stoichiometrically balanced equations, (i) mass is conserved, and (ii) charge is conserved.