Question

Aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide can neutralize each other to produce a compound that is soluble in water. Give the chemical formulas of the anion and cation found in this compound.

Answer 1

Cation = Na⁺

Anion = SO₄²⁻

Compound = Na₂SO₄

Step-by-step explanation:

The reactions between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide are the following:

H₂SO₄(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) ⇄ HSO₄⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + H₂O(l) (1)

HSO₄⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) ⇄ SO₄²⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + H₂O(l) (2)

The net equation is:

H₂SO₄(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) ⇄ Na₂SO₄(s) + 2H₂O(l) (3)

Hence, from equation (3):

Cation = Na⁺

Anion = SO₄²⁻

Compound = Na₂SO₄

I hope it helps you!