Final answer:
The ionic equation for the neutralization reaction between sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid involves the reaction of hydrogen ions with hydroxide ions to form water. Sodium and sulfate ions are spectator ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neutralization Reaction between Sodium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid
The neutralization reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) can be represented by the following balanced ionic equation:
2 Na+(aq) + 2 OH−(aq) + 2 H+(aq) + SO42−(aq) → 2 Na+(aq) + SO42−(aq) + 2 H2O(l)
After canceling out the spectator ions, the net ionic equation is:
2 H+(aq) + 2 OH−(aq) → 2 H2O(l)
Here, the hydrogen ions (H+) from the sulfuric acid combine with the hydroxide ions (OH−) from the sodium hydroxide to form water, demonstrating the acid-base neutralization. The sodium ions (Na+) and sulfate ions (SO42−) are not involved in the actual neutralization and are termed as spectator ions.