Here's how to determine the spectator ions in the reaction between Co(OH)3 and H2SO4:
1. Write the balanced chemical equation:
2 Co(OH)3 (s) + 3 H2SO4 (aq) → Co2(SO4)3 (aq) + 6 H2O (l)
2. Break down the reactants and products into their ions:
* Reactants:
* Co(OH)3 (s) → This is a solid and does not dissociate into ions.
* 3 H2SO4 (aq) → 6 H+ (aq) + 3 SO4^2- (aq)
* Products:
* Co2(SO4)3 (aq) → 2 Co^3+ (aq) + 3 SO4^2- (aq)
* 6 H2O (l) → This is liquid water and does not dissociate into ions.
3. Identify the spectator ions:
Spectator ions are ions that appear on both the reactant and product sides of the equation and do not participate in the actual chemical reaction.
In this case, the sulfate ions (SO4^2-) are present on both sides of the equation:
* Reactants: 3 SO4^2- (aq)
* Products: 3 SO4^2- (aq)
Therefore, the spectator ions in the reaction between Co(OH)3 and H2SO4 are sulfate ions (SO4^2-).