Final answer:
The minimum mass of NaHCO3 that must be added to neutralize the spilled H2SO4 is 37.632 grams.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the minimum mass of NaHCO3 needed to neutralize the spilled H2SO4, we can use stoichiometry.
The balanced equation for the reaction between H2SO4 and NaHCO3 is:
H2SO4 (aq) + 2NaHCO3(aq) → Na2SO4 (aq) + 2CO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)
From the equation, we can see that 1 mole of H2SO4 reacts with 2 moles of NaHCO3. We are given the volume (32 mL) and concentration (7.0 M) of the H2SO4, so we can calculate the number of moles of H2SO4:
Moles H2SO4 = volume (L) x concentration (M) = 32 mL / 1000 mL/L x 7.0 M = 0.224 moles H2SO4
Now, we can use the stoichiometry of the reaction to calculate the minimum mass of NaHCO3 needed to neutralize the acid. Since the molar ratio of H2SO4 to NaHCO3 is 1:2, we can set up the following conversion:
0.224 moles H2SO4 x (2 moles NaHCO3/1 mole H2SO4) x (84.0 g NaHCO3/1 mole NaHCO3) = 37.632 g NaHCO3
Therefore, the minimum mass of NaHCO3 that must be added to the spill to neutralize the acid is 37.632 grams of NaHCO3.