What's the balanced chemical equation of magnesium reacting with silver nitrate to produce silver and magnesium nitrate?

The balanced equation is Mg + 2AgNO₃ ⟶ Mg (NO₃) ₂ + 2Ag

Step 1. Write the unbalanced equation

Mg + AgNO₃ ⟶ Mg (NO₃) ₂ + Ag

Step 2. Start with the most complicated-looking formula [Mg (NO₃) ₂] and balance its atoms.

Mg: Already balanced - 1 atom each side.

N: We need 2 N on the left. Put a 2 in front of AgNO₃.

1Mg + 2AgNO₃ ⟶ 1Mg (NO₃) ₂ + Ag

O: Already balanced - 6 atom6 each side.

Step 3: Balance Ag

We have 2Ag on the left. We need 2Ag on the right.

1Mg + 2AgNO₃ ⟶ 1Mg (NO₃) ₂ + 2Ag