Question

Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when excess hydrochloric acid (aq) and potassium sulfite (aq) are combined. Note: Sulfites follow the same solubility trends as sulfates.

Answer 1

Answer: The net ionic equation for the given reaction is $2H^+(aq.)+SO_3^{2-}(aq.)\rightarrow H_2O(l)+SO_2(g)$

Explanation:

Net ionic equation of any reaction does not include any spectator ions.

Spectator ions are the ions which do not get involved in a chemical equation. It is also defined as the ions that are found on both the sides of the chemical reaction when it is present in ionic form.

The chemical equation for the reaction of hydrochloric acid and potassium sulfite is given as:

$2HCl(aq.)+K_2SO_3(aq.)\rightarrow 2KCl(aq.)+SO_2(g)+H_2O(l)$

Ionic form of the above equation follows:

$2H^+(aq.)+2Cl^-(aq.)+2K^+(aq.)+SO_3^{2-}(aq.)\rightarrow 2K^+(aq.)+2Cl^-(aq.)+SO_2(g)+H_2O(l)$

As, potassium and chloride ions are present on both the sides of the reaction, thus, it will not be present in the net ionic equation.

The net ionic equation for the above reaction follows:

$2H^+(aq.)+SO_3^{2-}(aq.)\rightarrow SO_2(g)+H_2O(l)$

Hence, the net ionic equation for the given reaction is written above.