Question

Give the complete ionic equation for the reaction (if any) that occurs when aqueous solutions of H2SO4 and KOH are mixed.

H+(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂ O(l)
2 H+(aq) + 2 OH⁻(aq) + 2 K+(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → 2 H₂ O(l) + 2 K+(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)
No reaction occurs.
2 K+(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → K₂ SO₄(s)
H +(aq) + OH⁻(aq) + 2 K+(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → H+(aq) + OH-(aq) + K₂ SO₄(s)

Answer 1

The complete ionic equation for the reaction between H2SO4 and KOH is 2H+(aq) + SO4^2-(aq) + 2K+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2K+(aq) + SO4^2-(aq) + 2H2O(l), and the net ionic equation is 2H+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l).

Step-by-step explanation:

When aqueous solutions of H2SO4 and KOH are mixed, a neutralization reaction occurs, producing water and the salt potassium sulfate (K2SO4). The balanced molecular equation for the reaction is:

H2SO4(aq) + 2KOH(aq) → K2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Breaking down into ions, we get the complete ionic equation:

2H+(aq) + SO42-(aq) + 2K+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2K+(aq) + SO42-(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Cancelling out the spectator ions, which are the ions that do not participate in the reaction (potassium and sulfate ions in this case), the net ionic equation is:

2H+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l)