Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions - Additional Exercises - Page 79: 2.111f

Answer

potassium sulfite: $K_{2} SO_{3}$ potassium bisulfite: $KHSO_{3}$

Work Step by Step

Potassium ion has a +1 charge, sulfite ion is $SO_{3} ^{-2}$ with -2 charge. In order to balance the compound, 2 atoms of potassium should be present each having +1 charge ( $ +1 \times 2 = +2$ ). Thus, the chemical formula is $K_{2} SO_{3}$ The presence of 'bi' in bisulfite means a hydrogen ion is present. Potassium has a +1 charge whereas bisulfite is $HSO_{3}^{-}$ with a -1 charge. Thus the chemical formula is $KHSO_{3}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.