Question

AP Chem HW help!
Conditions around hydrothermal vents deep in the ocean floor can enable chemical reactions that produce solid materials. A student models one of these reactions by combining aqueous Ca(OH)2 and Na2SO4, and observes the formation of a solid in a liquid.
A. Justify the choice of a net ionic equation for describing this reaction.
B . Write and balance a net ionic equation for the reaction. Show your original equation as well as the balanced one.
C. Explain any changes you made to balance the equation.

Answer 1

This looks like a double replacement precipitate reaction to me. Can you try to write the reaction?

Answer 2

I have no idea how to.. That's why I need help

Answer 3

Ok. All of the ionic compounds that are not the precipitate will exist as ions in solution.

Answer 4

Ca2+ + 2OH- + 2 Na+ + SO4- -> CaSO4 + 2Na+ + 2OH-

Answer 5

You should have a table that states that CaSO4 is only slightly soluble in water.

Answer 6

Following so far?

Answer 7

Sorry, that should be SO4-2 (the -2 is the charge)

Answer 8

Im following

Answer 9

Ok. Since everything except the precipitate is in solution, some ions appear unchanged from reactant to products. All the ions in this category can be canceled out to make the net ionic equation.

Answer 10

So everything that is left unchanged I take out?

Answer 11

Yup

Answer 12

And the first equation you typed and the one after I take out what is left unchanged is the answer for number 1b?

Answer 13

Yup

Answer 14

But what do I write for 1A? What exactly is it asking

Answer 15

It wants you to explain about the ions in solution being unchanged except for the ions that form the precipitate.

Answer 16

and you meant the -2 goes in the reactant, not the product, correct?

Answer 17

Yes

Answer 18

Thank you so much!!

Answer 19

No problem. Happy studies!