Question

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

a. H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l)
b. 2H⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → 2H₂O(l) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)
c. No reaction occurs.
d. 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → K₂SO₄(s)
e. H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) + K₂SO₄(s)

Answer 1

The complete ionic equation for the reaction between aqueous H₂SO₄ and KOH is 2H⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → 2H₂O(l) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq). This is a neutralization reaction forming water and the salt K₂SO₄, which remains in aqueous solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

When aqueous solutions of H₂SO₄ and KOH are mixed, a neutralization reaction occurs where the acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with the base (KOH) to form water (H₂O) and a salt (K₂SO₄). The balanced complete ionic equation for this reaction is:

b. 2H⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → 2H₂O(l) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)

This equation shows all the ions involved in the reaction and their states. This reaction results in the formation of water molecules from hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻), while potassium (K⁺) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) ions remain in solution, thus appearing on both sides of the equation.