Solving an Ionic Equation: Na2Co3 + H2S04 -> Na2S04 + H20 + C02

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ionic equation for the reaction between sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), focusing on how to properly represent the ionic species involved and identify spectator ions. The scope includes chemical equations, ionic dissociation, and the states of matter for the reactants and products.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the main components of the reaction are H2O and CO2, proposing an initial ionic equation of CO3^2- + 2H+ -> H2O + CO2.
  • Another participant advises breaking down each compound into its cations and anions to identify spectator ions and active ions, noting that Na2CO3 dissociates into 2Na+ and CO3^2-.
  • A participant questions whether CO2 and H2O are the active ions on the product side, while Na2SO4 is considered a spectator ion since it is aqueous.
  • One participant confirms that CO3^2- + 2H+ leads to the production of CO2 and H2O, omitting spectator ions from the equation.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of indicating the states of matter for each ion and substance in the equation.
  • A later reply raises a hypothetical scenario regarding the state of alcohol when mixed with water, questioning whether it should be labeled as liquid or aqueous.
  • Another participant discusses the behavior of solid alcohol in water, suggesting that it would not be accurately described as dissolved.
  • One participant introduces a scenario involving pure ethyl alcohol at low temperatures, questioning the resulting state when mixed with water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to identify active and spectator ions in the ionic equation. However, there is no consensus on the specifics of how to represent the states of matter for certain substances, particularly in hypothetical scenarios involving alcohol.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correct representation of states of matter for various substances, particularly in mixed scenarios. The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of substances in solution and the implications of temperature on their states.

dagg3r
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hi can somebody show me how to do this ionic equation thanks.


first of all the equation is

Na2Co3 + H2s04 -> Na2S04 + H20 + C02

i think the main parts are H20(l) and CO2(g) how do i do an ionic equation would i do

Co32- + 2H+ -> H20(l) + Co2(g)

please tell me if this is right thanks
 
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You want to break down each component on either side to its cation and anion. This will help you identify spectator ions and the active ions in the process.

This is a simplier problem since each compound is formed of two major ions, for example the break down for [tex]Na_2CO_3[/tex] would be [tex]2Na^+ + CO_3^-[/tex]

Go through the rest of the equation breaking the molecule up into its ions. Be careful on the products side, as some of them can be tricky.
 
check to see if active ions

ok i did that before i just want to know is Co2 gas and h20 water the active ions on the right hand side as Na2So4 is aqueous so it is a spectator?
 
Since [itex]CO_{2}[/itex] is a gas (so it doesn't stay in the aqueous solution),it think your reaction boils down to

[tex]CO_{3}^{2-}+2H^{+}\rightarrow CO_{2}\uparrow +H_{2}O[/tex]

U see,i didn't write the spectator ions (the sulphate & the sodium ion).

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
[tex]CO_{3}^{2-}+2H^{+}\rightarrow CO_{2}\uparrow +H_{2}O[/tex]
And the arrow is standard practise to show that a gas is realized?

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Generally you subscript the state of the ion/substance. CO3 is in solution so it's (aq), H+ is also in solution so it's (aq), CO2 is a gas so it's (g), water is a liquid so it's (l).

I've never had to write this before, but what if alcohol was mixed with water. Would the alcohol be (l) or (aq)?
 
Maybe the alcohol was in solid state before disolving it in water,so that "l" would not be accurate...:wink:

Daniel.
 
Alcohol freezes at a much lower temperature than water, so if you put solid alcohol in water you would get a weird solid alcohol >> liquid alcohol >> solid water ball that wouldn't exactly be "dissolved" in any sense. The same thing happens with dry ice in water.
 
That's not as interesting as the following case:pour pure (ethylic) alcohol at -20° in water.Should one get an aqueous solution of alcohol...?

Daniel.
 

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