Question

Write a balanced molecular and net ionic equation for:

Al(s) + HBr(aq)
Options:
A. Al(s) + 2HBr (aq) → H₂ (g) + AlBr₃ (aq)
B. H₂ (g) + AlBr₃ (aq) → Al(s) + 2HBr (aq)
C. Al(s) + 2HBr (aq) → H₂ (g) + AlBr₃ (aq)
D. H₂ (g) + AlBr₃ (aq) → Al(s) + 2HBr (aq)

Answer 1

The balanced molecular equation for aluminum reacting with hydrobromic acid is 2Al(s) + 6HBr(aq) → 2AlBr₃(aq) + 3H₂(g), and the simplified net ionic equation is 2Al(s) + 6H+(aq) → 2Al3+(aq) + 3H₂(g).

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced molecular equation for the reaction of aluminum with hydrobromic acid (HBr) is:

2Al(s) + 6HBr(aq) → 2AlBr₃(aq) + 3H₂(g)

This equation indicates that aluminum reacts with hydrobromic acid to produce aluminum bromide in aqueous solution and hydrogen gas. The reaction involves the transfer of electrons from aluminum to bromide ions, forming Al3+ and bromide ions, Br−. The aluminum and hydrogen are balanced by ensuring that there are an equal number of each atom on both sides of the reaction.

Net Ionic Equation

The net ionic equation for this reaction is:

2Al(s) + 6H⁺(aq) + 6Br⁻(aq) → 2Al³⁺(aq) + 6Br⁻(aq) + 3H₂(g)

Since the bromide ions are present on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction, we can simplify this to the following net ionic equation:

2Al(s) + 6H⁺(aq) → 2Al³⁺(aq) + 3H₂(g)

Here, the aluminum solid and the aqueous hydrogen ions react to form aluminum ions in solution and hydrogen gas.