Analyze each chemical equation to identify the reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Verify that the products are sodium sulfate and water, and all reactants and products are in the aqueous or liquid phase.
The correct equation is H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) .
Therefore, the formula equation for the reaction is H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given four chemical equations and asked to identify the correct one for the reaction between sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) and dissolved sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ), ensuring all reactants and products are in the aqueous or liquid phase.
Objective We need to find the equation where sulfuric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium sulfate and water, with all substances in the aqueous or liquid phase.
Analyzing the Equations Let's examine each equation:
H Cl ( a q ) + N a O H ( a q ) → N a Cl ( s ) + H 2 O ( l ) : This involves hydrochloric acid ( H Cl ), not sulfuric acid.
H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + C a ( O H ) 2 ( a q ) → C a S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) : This involves sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) reacting with calcium hydroxide ( C a ( O H ) 2 ), not sodium hydroxide.
H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) : This involves sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) reacting with sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ) to produce sodium sulfate ( N a 2 S O 4 ) and water ( H 2 O ), all in the aqueous or liquid phase. This looks like the correct equation.
2 H 3 P O 4 ( a q ) + 3 C a ( O H ) 2 ( a q ) → C a 3 ( P O 4 ) ( s ) + 6 H 2 O ( l ) : This involves phosphoric acid ( H 3 P O 4 ) reacting with calcium hydroxide ( C a ( O H ) 2 ), not sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Identifying the Correct Equation The correct equation is the one where sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) reacts with sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ) to produce sodium sulfate ( N a 2 S O 4 ) and water ( H 2 O ), with all reactants and products in the aqueous or liquid phase. This is:
H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l )
Examples
Acid-base reactions, like the one between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, are crucial in many industrial processes, such as wastewater treatment. For example, if a factory releases acidic wastewater, it can be neutralized by adding a base like sodium hydroxide to protect the environment. The balanced chemical equation helps determine the exact amount of base needed to neutralize the acid, ensuring the process is efficient and safe. This prevents harm to aquatic life and maintains the proper pH levels in water systems.
The correct formula equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide is H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) . This represents a neutralization reaction where all substances are in the aqueous or liquid phase. The products formed are sodium sulfate and water.
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