Understanding the Net Ionic Equation for the Reaction between Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 82 views

Understanding the Net Ionic Equation for the Reaction between Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid

The net ionic equation is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the chemical reactions occurring between different substances. In this article, we will delve into the world of net ionic equations and explore the correct representation of the reaction between calcium hydroxide ( ${Ca(OH)_2\$}$ ) and sulfuric acid ( ${H_2SO_4\$}$ ).

What is a Net Ionic Equation?

A net ionic equation is a simplified representation of a chemical reaction that shows only the ions or molecules that participate in the reaction. It is obtained by removing the spectator ions, which are ions that do not participate in the reaction. The net ionic equation is a useful tool for understanding the chemical reactions occurring between different substances.

The Reaction between Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid

The reaction between calcium hydroxide ( ${Ca(OH)_2\$}$ ) and sulfuric acid ( ${H_2SO_4\$}$ ) is a classic example of a neutralization reaction. In this reaction, the calcium hydroxide reacts with the sulfuric acid to form calcium sulfate and water.

Step 1: Write the Balanced Molecular Equation

The first step in writing the net ionic equation is to write the balanced molecular equation. The balanced molecular equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is:

${Ca(OH)_2 + H_2SO_4 \longrightarrow CaSO_4 + 2H_2O}$

Step 2: Break Down the Molecular Equation into Ions

The next step is to break down the molecular equation into ions. The calcium hydroxide ( ${Ca(OH)_2\$}$ ) dissociates into calcium ions ( ${Ca^{2+}\$}$ ) and hydroxide ions ( ${OH^{-}\$}$ ), while the sulfuric acid ( ${H_2SO_4\$}$ ) dissociates into hydrogen ions ( ${H^{+}\$}$ ) and sulfate ions ( ${SO_4^{2-}\$}$ ).

Step 3: Identify the Spectator Ions

The spectator ions are the ions that do not participate in the reaction. In this case, the calcium ions ( ${Ca^{2+}\$}$ ) and the sulfate ions ( ${SO_4^{2-}\$}$ ) are the spectator ions.

Step 4: Write the Net Ionic Equation

The net ionic equation is obtained by removing the spectator ions from the molecular equation. The net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is:

${2H^{+} + 2OH^{-} \longrightarrow 2H_2O}$

Analysis of the Options

Now that we have obtained the net ionic equation, let's analyze the options provided:

A. $${H^{+} + OH^{-} \longrightarrow H_2O}$$

This option is incorrect because it does not show the correct stoichiometry of the reaction.

B. $${2H^{+} + 2OH^{-} \longrightarrow 2H_2O}$$

This option is correct because it shows the correct stoichiometry of the reaction.

C. $${Ca^{2+} + SO_4^{2-} \longrightarrow CaSO_4}$$

This option is incorrect because it shows the reaction between the calcium ions and the sulfate ions, which is not the correct reaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is:

${2H^{+} + 2OH^{-} \longrightarrow 2H_2O}$

This equation shows the correct stoichiometry of the reaction and helps us understand the chemical reaction occurring between the two substances.

Key Takeaways

The net ionic equation is a simplified representation of a chemical reaction that shows only the ions or molecules that participate in the reaction.
The reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is a classic example of a neutralization reaction.
The net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is:

${2H^{+} + 2OH^{-} \longrightarrow 2H_2O}$

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a net ionic equation? A net ionic equation is a simplified representation of a chemical reaction that shows only the ions or molecules that participate in the reaction.
What is the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid? The reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is a classic example of a neutralization reaction.
What is the correct net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid? The correct net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is:

${2H^{+} + 2OH^{-} \longrightarrow 2H_2O}$

References

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach by Steven S. Zumdahl
General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications by Linus Pauling
Chemistry: The Central Science by Theodore L. Brown
Net Ionic Equation Q&A: Understanding the Reaction between Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid

In our previous article, we explored the concept of net ionic equations and applied it to the reaction between calcium hydroxide ( ${Ca(OH)_2\$}$ ) and sulfuric acid ( ${H_2SO_4\$}$ ). In this article, we will continue to delve into the world of net ionic equations and answer some frequently asked questions.

Q: What is a net ionic equation?

A: A net ionic equation is a simplified representation of a chemical reaction that shows only the ions or molecules that participate in the reaction. It is obtained by removing the spectator ions, which are ions that do not participate in the reaction.

Q: What is the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid?

A: The reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is a classic example of a neutralization reaction. In this reaction, the calcium hydroxide reacts with the sulfuric acid to form calcium sulfate and water.

Q: What is the correct net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid?

A: The correct net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is:

${2H^{+} + 2OH^{-} \longrightarrow 2H_2O}$

Q: Why is it important to write the net ionic equation?

A: Writing the net ionic equation is important because it helps us understand the chemical reaction occurring between the two substances. It also helps us identify the ions that participate in the reaction and those that do not.

Q: How do I write the net ionic equation?

A: To write the net ionic equation, follow these steps:

Write the balanced molecular equation.
Break down the molecular equation into ions.
Identify the spectator ions.
Remove the spectator ions to obtain the net ionic equation.

Q: What are spectator ions?

A: Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in the reaction. They are usually the ions that are present in the solution but do not react with each other.

Q: How do I identify spectator ions?

A: To identify spectator ions, look for ions that are present in the solution but do not react with each other. These ions are usually the ions that are not involved in the chemical reaction.

Q: What is the difference between a net ionic equation and a molecular equation?

A: A molecular equation shows the reactants and products in their molecular form, while a net ionic equation shows the reactants and products in their ionic form.

Q: Why is it important to balance the molecular equation?

A: Balancing the molecular equation is important because it ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides.

Q: How do I balance the molecular equation?

A: To balance the molecular equation, follow these steps:

Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
Add coefficients to the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

Q: What is the significance of the net ionic equation in chemistry?

A: The net ionic equation is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the chemical reactions occurring between different substances. It is used to identify the ions that participate in the reaction and those that do not.

Q: How do I apply the net ionic equation in real-life situations?

A: The net ionic equation can be applied in real-life situations such as:

Understanding the chemical reactions occurring in industrial processes
Identifying the ions that participate in a chemical reaction
Predicting the products of a chemical reaction

Conclusion

In conclusion, the net ionic equation is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the chemical reactions occurring between different substances. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write the net ionic equation and apply it in real-life situations.

Key Takeaways

A net ionic equation is a simplified representation of a chemical reaction that shows only the ions or molecules that participate in the reaction.
The reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is a classic example of a neutralization reaction.
The correct net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid is:

${2H^{+} + 2OH^{-} \longrightarrow 2H_2O}$

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a net ionic equation?
What is the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid?
What is the correct net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium hydroxide and sulfuric acid?
Why is it important to write the net ionic equation?
How do I write the net ionic equation?
What are spectator ions?
How do I identify spectator ions?
What is the difference between a net ionic equation and a molecular equation?
Why is it important to balance the molecular equation?
How do I balance the molecular equation?
What is the significance of the net ionic equation in chemistry?
How do I apply the net ionic equation in real-life situations?

References

Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach by Steven S. Zumdahl
General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications by Linus Pauling
Chemistry: The Central Science by Theodore L. Brown