Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of aqueous nitric acid with solid magnesium hydroxide.

Strategy

This reaction is an acid–base reaction making the products water and the respective salt. The formulas of the reactants, to be written to the left of the arrow, must be written correctly: HNO₃ and Mg(OH)₂. It is important to remember the charge on magnesium, a Group 2A element, is 2⁺, so two OH^- polyatomic anions are needed to balance the charges in the formula of magnesium hydroxide. Th e products in this acid–base reaction, placed to the right of the arrow, are H₂O and the salt Mg(NO₃)₂. After the reactants and products are written, adjust the coefficients to produce the equation.