Asked by sh

Write an equation to show the dissolving of the following substance in water.

(NH4)2SO4(s)

NH42SO4 + H2O -> 2NH4 + SO4 + H^+ + OH-?
Answered by DrBob222
I think what they want you to do is this.
(NH4)2SO4(s) + H2O ==> 2NH4^+(aq) + SO4^-2(aq)
Answered by sh
Isn't the equation not balanced then?
Answered by DrBob222
No, you're correct. The equation isn't balanced. What we normally do is to write the arrow with H2O over the arrow to show that the solid is dissolving in water. That way the H2O doesn't actually enter into the balancing. I can't do that on these boards. Something like this but the H2O goes OVER the arrow and not through it. This is what one does when showing that the sample is treated with something (such as a catalyst although this is not a catalyst type reaction) and the result is what we see on the right (in this case the solvated ions. I think the main purpose of the problem is to make sure you understand that the (s) goes into solution, the ions are formed and that they are solvated, shown as (aq).
(NH4)2SO4(s) ==H2O==> (2NH4^+(aq) + SO4^-2(aq).
Answered by sh
I understand now, thanks for clarifying. :)
There are no AI answers yet. The ability to request AI answers is coming soon!