The problem requires identifying the correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution.
Analyze each provided equation to ensure it involves the correct reactants (sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide) and that all products and reactants 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 ) , as it involves the correct reactants and all products and reactants are in the specified phases.
Therefore, the formula 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 ) .
Explanation
Analyzing the Problem We need to identify the correct chemical equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) and sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ) where all reactants and products are in the aqueous or liquid phase. Let's examine each option.
Evaluating Each Option
H Cl ( a q ) + N a O H ( a q ) → N a Cl ( s ) + H 2 O ( l ) : This equation involves hydrochloric acid ( H Cl ) reacting with sodium hydroxide, not sulfuric acid. Also, sodium chloride ( N a Cl ) is in the solid phase, which doesn't meet the condition that all products and reactants must be in the aqueous or liquid phase. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
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 equation shows sulfuric acid reacting with calcium hydroxide ( C a ( O H ) 2 ), not sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ). Therefore, this option is incorrect.
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 equation shows 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 reactants and products are in the aqueous or liquid phase, which satisfies the given condition. This option appears to be correct.
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 equation involves phosphoric acid ( H 3 P O 4 ) reacting with calcium hydroxide ( C a ( O H ) 2 ), not sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide. Also, calcium phosphate ( C a 3 ( P O 4 ) ) is in the solid phase, which doesn't meet the condition that all products and reactants must be in the aqueous or liquid phase. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Identifying the Correct Equation Based on the analysis, 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 )
Examples
Acid-base reactions, like the one between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, are fundamental in many industrial processes, such as wastewater treatment. For example, if a factory's wastewater is too acidic due to sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide can be added to neutralize it, bringing the water's pH to a safe level before it's released back into the environment. This ensures that the water doesn't harm aquatic life or corrode pipes. The balanced chemical equation helps determine the exact amount of sodium hydroxide needed to neutralize a specific amount of sulfuric acid, preventing over- or under-treatment.
The 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 correctly illustrates the acid-base neutralization with all reactants and products in the specified aqueous or liquid phases.
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