In this redox reaction, the Cu goes from oxidation state of (0) to (+2), therefore it oxidises. N in HNO₃ goes from oxidation state of (+5) to N in NO with oxidation state of (+2) and becomes reduced.
Cu acts as the reducing reagent and HNO₃ is the oxidising agent.
oxidation half reaction
Cu ---> Cu²⁺ + 2e --1)
reduction half reaction
4H⁺ + 3e + NO₃⁻ ---> NO + 2H₂O --2)
to balance the number of electrons , 1) x3 and 2) x2
3Cu ---> 3Cu²⁺ + 6e
8H⁺ + 6e + 2NO₃⁻ ---> 2NO + 4H₂O
add the 2 equations
3Cu + 8H⁺ + 2NO₃⁻ ---> 3Cu²⁺ + 2NO + 4H₂O
add 6 nitrate ions to both sides to add up to 8 and form acid with 8H⁺ ions
3Cu + 8HNO₃ ---> 3Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2NO + 4H₂O
Balanced equation for the redox reaction is as follows;
3Cu(s) + 8HNO₃(aq) → 3Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2NO(g) + 4H₂O(l)
NO has a coefficient of 2
