Question

Which equation represents the correct net ionic equation for the reaction between Ca(OH)2 and H2SO4?

Answer 1

Answer: The correct net ionic equation for the reaction is $2H^{+}(aq)+2OH^{-}(aq)\rightarrow 2H_2O(l)$

Explanation:

Net ionic equation is defined as the equations in which spectator ions are not included.

Spectator ions are the ones that are present equally on the reactant and product sides. They do not participate in the reaction.  

The balanced molecular equation is:

$Ca(OH)_2(aq)+H_2SO_4(aq)\rightarrow CaSO_4(aq)+2H_2O(l)$

The complete ionic equation follows:

$Ca^{2+}(aq)+2OH^-(aq)+2H^+(aq)+SO_4^{2-}(aq)\rightarrow 2Ca^{2+}(aq)+SO_4^{2-}(aq)+H_2O(l)$

As calcium and sulfate ions are present on both sides of the reaction. Thus, they are considered spectator ions.

The net ionic equation follows:

$2H^{+}(aq)+2OH^{-}(aq)\rightarrow 2H_2O(l)$

Hence, the correct net ionic equation for the reaction is $2H^{+}(aq)+2OH^{-}(aq)\rightarrow 2H_2O(l)$