Gold does not react with either nitric acid nor hydrochloric acid alone,but can be dissolved by aqua regia to form the tetrachloroaurate(III)ion,water and nitric oxide.What is the sum of the coefficients when the net equation for this process is balanced?
A)17
B)14
C)11
D)9
E)7

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The balanced net equation for the dissolution of gold in aqua regia is:

Au(s) + 4HNO3(aq) + HCl(aq) → AuCl4-(aq) + 4NO2(g) + 4H2O(l)

The coefficients for this equation are 1, 4, 1, 1, 4, and 4, which add up to 14. Therefore, the correct answer is B (14).

Gold Does Not React with Either Nitric Acid nor Hydrochloric