The problem requires identifying the correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Analyze each option to determine which one represents the reaction between H 2 S O 4 and N a O H with all reactants and products in the aqueous or liquid phase.
The correct equation is H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) .
Therefore, the answer is H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) .
Explanation
Problem Analysis The question asks for the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) and sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ) in an aqueous solution. We need to identify the correct equation from the given options.
Objective We need to identify the balanced equation where sulfuric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium sulfate and water. The reactants and products must all be in the aqueous or liquid phase.
Analyzing the Options Let's examine each option:
H Cl ( a q ) + N a O H ( a q ) → N a Cl ( s ) + H 2 O ( l ) : This reaction involves hydrochloric acid, not sulfuric acid.
H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + C a ( O H ) 2 ( a q ) → C a S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) : This reaction involves calcium hydroxide, not sodium hydroxide.
H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l ) : This reaction involves sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, producing sodium sulfate and water, all in the aqueous or liquid phase. This looks like the correct answer.
2 H 3 P O 4 ( a q ) + 3 C a ( O H ) 2 ( a q ) → C a 3 ( P O 4 ) ( s ) + 6 H 2 O ( l ) : This reaction involves phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide, not sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
The Correct Equation The correct balanced chemical equation is:
H 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 N a O H ( a q ) → N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) + 2 H 2 O ( l )
Examples
Acid-base reactions like the one between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide are fundamental in many industrial processes, such as wastewater treatment. Neutralizing acidic or basic pollutants ensures that the water released back into the environment is safe for aquatic life and human use. Understanding these reactions helps engineers design effective treatment systems to maintain water quality and protect ecosystems.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide is H₂SO₄(aq) + 2 NaOH(aq) → Na₂SO₄(aq) + 2 H₂O(l). This shows that one mole of sulfuric acid reacts with two moles of sodium hydroxide to produce sodium sulfate and water, all in aqueous or liquid form.
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