Question

Write a net ionic equation for the overall reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide and oxalic acid (H2C2O4) are combined. Assume excess base. Use the pull-down boxes to specify states such as (aq) or (s).

Answer 1

Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid and forms sodium salt with NaOH and water

Explanation:

Answer 2

The net ionic equation for the overall reaction is

`H_2C_2O_4{(aq)} + 2OH^-_((aq)) ----> C_2O_4^(2-)_((aq)) + 2H_2O_((l))`

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular formula for sodium hydroxide is
`NaOH` while the molecular formula for oxalic acid is given as (
`H_2 C_2 O_4`)

Now the balanced chemical equation for this reaction is

`H_2C_2 O_4_((aq)) + 2NaOH_((aq)) ----> Na_2C_2O_4_((aq)) + 2H_2O_((l))`

The procedure for the ionic equation is

`H_2 C_2O_4 _((aq)) + 2 Na^+ _((aq)) + 2OH^-_((aq)) ---->2Na^+ _((aq)) + C_2O_4^(2- )_((aq)) + 2H_2O_((l))`

Here
`Na^+` is the sodium ion

`OH^-` is the hydroxide ion

`C_2O_4^(2-)` is the oxalate ion

Note: The dissociation of oxalic equation is not complete because it is a weak acid

Looking at this equation we see that
`Na^+` is common on both sides of the equation so we cancel it out so the equation becomes

`H_2C_2O_4{(aq)} + 2OH^-_((aq)) ----> C_2O_4^(2-)_((aq)) + 2H_2O_((l))`