Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (3rd Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321809246
ISBN 13: 978-0-32180-924-7

Chapter 4 - Sections 4.1-4.9 - Exercises - Problems by Topic - Page 189: 90a

Answer

$$2HNO_3(aq) + Na_2SO_3(aq) \longrightarrow SO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + 2NaNO_3(aq)$$

Work Step by Step

1. This reaction has a sulfite and an acid as its reactants. Thus, it will produce $SO_2(g)$, $H_2O(l)$ and a salt made of the other ions: $$HNO_3(aq) + Na_2SO_3(aq) \longrightarrow SO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + Salt$$ The remaining ions are: $Na^{+}$ and $N{O_3}^-$, therefore, the salt is $NaNO_3$: $$HNO_3(aq) + Na_2SO_3(aq) \longrightarrow SO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + NaNO_3(aq)$$ 2. Now, balance the equation. To balance the number of sodium atoms, put a $2$ before $NaNO_3$ $$HNO_3(aq) + Na_2SO_3(aq) \longrightarrow SO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + 2NaNO_3(aq)$$ To balance the number of Nitrogen atoms, to the same for $HNO_3$: $$2HNO_3(aq) + Na_2SO_3(aq) \longrightarrow SO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + 2NaNO_3(aq)$$
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