Question

Aqueous solutions of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and acetic acid (HC2H3O2) will react to yield lithium acetate and water. In the balanced equation for this reaction, what is the lowest possible whole number coefficient for water?

Answer 1

Answer: The lowest possible whole number coefficient for water is 1.

Explanation:

A double displacement reaction is one in which exchange of ions take place. The salts which are soluble in water are designated by symbol (aq) and those which are insoluble  water and remain in solid form are represented by (s) after their chemical formulas.

The balanced chemical reation for aqueous solutions of lithium hydroxide and acetic acid react to yield lithium acetate and water is:

$LiOH(aq)+CH_3COOH(aq)\rightarrow CH_3COOLi(aq)+H_2O(l)$

Thus the lowest possible whole number coefficient for water is 1.