Answer:
The coefficient of water is 2 (option a)
Explanation:
Step 1: The unbalanced equation
Ca(OH)2 + HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + H2O
Step 2: Balancing the equation
Ca(OH)2 + HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + H2O
On the left side we have 1x N (in HNO3), on the right side we have 2x Ca(NO3)2.
To balance the amount of N on both sides, we have to multiply HNO3, on the left side, by 2.
Ca(OH)2 + 2HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + H2O
On the left side we have 4x H (2x in Ca(OH)2 and 2x in 2HNO3), On the right side we have 2x H (in H2O). To balance the amount of H on both sides, we have to multiply H2O, on the right side, by 2.
Now the equation is balanced.
Ca(OH)2 + 2HNO3 → Ca(NO3)2 + 2H2O
The coefficient of water is 2 (option a)