Chemical Reaction: Sulfuric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

What is the formula equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and dissolved sodium hydroxide if all products and reactants are in the aqueous or liquid phase?

Choose one:

a. H2SO4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

b. 2H2SO4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 3H2O(l)

c. H2SO4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

d. 2H2SO4(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 3H2O(l)

Answer:

c

When sulfuric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide in the aqueous or liquid phase, the balanced chemical equation is as follows:

H2SO4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Explanation:

Balanced chemical reaction: A balanced chemical reaction ensures that the number of atoms of individual elements on the reactant side is equal to the product side.

Therefore, in this reaction, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and water (H2O).