When the equation Sn + HNO₃ → SnO₂ + NO₂ + H₂O is balanced in acidic solution, what is the smallest whole-number coefficient for Sn?

1.

Explanation:

Hello,

In this case, for the given reaction we first assign the oxidation state for each species:

Whereas the half reactions are:

Next, we exchange the transferred electrons:

Afterwards, we add them to obtain:

By adding and subtracting common terms we obtain:

Finally, by removing the oxidation states we have:

Therefore, the smallest whole-number coefficient for Sn is 1.

Regards.

b i think it’s a water wheel turning in a stream

for points guys