Chapter 13, Problem 94E

An equilibrium is established according to the following equation

${\text{Hg}}_2{}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+{\text{NO}}_3{}^{-}\left(aq\right)+3{\text{H}}^{+}\left(aq\right)\rightleftharpoons 2\text{H}{g}^{2+}\left(aq\right)+{\text{HNO}}_2\left(aq\right)+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}\left(l\right)$ $K_c=4.6$

What will happen in a solution that is 0.20 M each in Hg₂²⁺, NO₃^-, H⁺, Hg²⁺, and HNO₂?

(a) Hg₂²+ will be oxidized and NO₃- reduced.

(b) Hg₂²+ will be reduced and NO₃- oxidized.

(c) Hg₂²+ will be oxidized and HNO₂ reduced.

(d) Hg₂²+ will be reduced and HNO₂ oxidized.

(e) There will be no change because all reactants and products have an activity of 1.