Question

Sodium sulfite, Na₂SO₃(aq), is added to wine as an antioxidant since it reacts with the oxygen of the air to form sodium sulfate, Na₂SO₄(aq). Which of the following is the balanced equation for this reaction?

a.2Na₂SO₃(aq) + O₂(g) → 2Na₂SO₄(aq)
b.2Na₂SO₃(aq) → 2Na₂SO₄(aq) + O₂(g)
c.2Na₂SO₄(aq) + O₂(g) → 2Na₂SO₃(aq)
d.2Na₂SO₄(aq) → 2Na₂SO₃(aq) + O₂(g)

Answer 1

The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction where sodium sulfite reacts with oxygen to form sodium sulfate is option (a) 2Na₂SO₃(aq) + O₂(g) → 2Na₂SO₄(aq). This is a representation of an oxidation process used in wine preservation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced equation for the reaction where sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃(aq)) reacts with oxygen (O₂(g)) to form sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄(aq)) is:

2Na₂SO₃(aq) + O₂(g) → 2Na₂SO₄(aq)

This reaction illustrates the oxidation process in which sulfite ions (SO₃²⁻) are oxidized by oxygen to produce sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻). It is an important reaction in the preservation of wine, as it helps prevent oxidation by consuming the oxygen that may otherwise react with components in the wine.