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Identify the spectator ions in the reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide.

a) Na1+ only
b) OH1- only
c) C₂H₃O₂1- only
d) H1+ only
e) Two of these
f) Three of these

User DBAndrew
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In the reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide, the spectator ion is the sodium ion (Na+), as it does not participate in the chemical reaction and remains unchanged in the solution.Answer is OPTION A

Step-by-step explanation:

When acetic acid (CH₃COOH) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), an acid-base neutralization reaction occurs, forming water and sodium acetate (NaCH₃COO). In this type of reaction, the spectator ions are those that do not participate in the chemical reaction and remain unchanged in solution. In the case of this neutralization reaction, the sodium ion (Na+) is the spectator ion because it does not change its oxidation state or combine with any of the reactants or products to create a different compound.

The net ionic equation, omitting the spectator ion of sodium, is as follows:

CH₃COOH(aq) + OH-(aq) → H₂O(l) + CH₃COO-(aq)

Therefore, the correct response is:

a) Na1+ only.

User Sajad Abbasi
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