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Consider the reaction of aqueous solutions of nitric acid with ammonium sulfite. Write the...

Question:

Consider the reaction of aqueous solutions of nitric acid with ammonium sulfite. Write the complete ionic equation and net ionic equation for this reaction.

Complete & Net Ionic Equations:

An ionic equation contains ions as reactants and products. Ionic equations are classified into two categories based on their expressions: (1) complete ionic equation (contains identical ions on both sides) and (2) net ionic equation (contains different ions on both sides).

Answer and Explanation: 1

The reaction between aqueous solutions of nitric acid {eq}\rm (HNO_3) {/eq} and ammonium sulfite {eq}\rm ((NH_4)_2SO_3) {/eq} produces sulfurous acid {eq}\rm (H_2SO_3) {/eq} and ammonium nitrate {eq}\rm (NH_4NO_3) {/eq} as products through a double-replacement process. The corresponding balanced molecular equation is shown below:

{eq}\rm (NH_4)_2SO_3(aq)+2HNO_3(aq)\to 2NH_4NO_3(aq)+H_2SO_3(aq) {/eq}


{eq}\rm (NH_4)_2SO_3,\;HNO_3\;and\;NH_4NO_3 {/eq} are strong electrolytes. Hence, they dissociate completely in an aqueous solution. So, the corresponding complete ionic equation is shown below:

{eq}\rm 2NH_4^+(aq)+SO_3^{2-}(aq)+2H^+(aq)+2NO_3^-(aq)\to 2NH_4^+(aq)+2NO_3^-(aq)+H_2SO_3(aq) {/eq}


In the above equation, both {eq}\rm NH_4^+\;and\;NO_3^- {/eq} are present as spectator ions. Hence, excluding these two ions, the corresponding net ionic equation is shown below:

{eq}\rm 2H^+(aq)+SO_3^{2-}(aq)\to H_2SO_3(aq) {/eq}


Learn more about this topic:

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Precipitation Reactions: Predicting Precipitates and Net Ionic Equations

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Chapter 10 / Lesson 9
131K

Study precipitate reactions. Determine precipitate solubility according to solubility rules. Learn to write ionic equations by following a molecular reaction.


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