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How to Balance:

Word equation: Nitric acid + Zinc → Zinc nitrate + Hydrogen gas

Type of Chemical Reaction: For this reaction we have a single displacement reaction.

Balancing Strategies: Reacting HNO3 and Zn will produce Zn(NO3) + H2 when using dilute HNO3.

Note that the "2" in Zn(NO3)2 applies to both the N and O3 in the parenthesis.

For a complete explanation, watch:

When balancing chemical equations our goal is to have the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.

Only change the coefficients (these are the numbers in front substances).
Never change the subscripts (the small numbers after elements).