Balance H2SO4 + NaOH –> H2O + Na2SO4
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Balanced Chemical Equation:
H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → 2H₂O + Na₂SO₄
Explanation
To balance the chemical equation H₂SO₄ + NaOH → H₂O + Na₂SO₄, we must follow the principle of conservation of mass. This principle states that the number of atoms for each element must be equal on both sides of the equation. Let us break down the steps.
Start by writing the unbalanced equation:
H₂SO₄ + NaOH → H₂O + Na₂SO₄
This equation shows sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacting with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This is a typical acid-base neutralization reaction where an acid reacts with a base to form water and a salt.
Next, look at the reactants. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) has two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) consists of one sodium atom, one oxygen atom, and one hydrogen atom.
On the product side, water (H₂O) contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, while sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) contains two sodium atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms.
Notice that sulfur and oxygen from H₂SO₄ appear together in Na₂SO₄, meaning the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) remains intact. This simplifies balancing.
Now count sodium atoms. Na₂SO₄ contains two sodium atoms, so you need 2 NaOH on the reactant side to balance sodium.
Then check hydrogen atoms. You now have 2 NaOH, contributing 2 hydrogen atoms, and H₂SO₄ also provides 2 hydrogen atoms, giving a total of 4 hydrogen atoms. To balance this, you need 2 H₂O on the product side, which has 4 hydrogen atoms.
Now all atoms are balanced:
- Hydrogen: 2 (from H₂SO₄) + 2 (from 2 NaOH) = 4, and 2 H₂O gives 4 hydrogen atoms
- Sodium: 2 on both sides
- Sulfur: 1 on both sides
- Oxygen: 4 (from H₂SO₄) + 2 (from 2 NaOH) = 6, and 4 (in Na₂SO₄) + 2 (in 2 H₂O) = 6
Thus, the balanced equation is:
H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → 2H₂O + Na₂SO₄
