Al₂(SO₄)₃(aq) + 6NaOH(aq) → 2Al(OH)₃(s) + 3Na₂SO₄(aq)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Reactants:
* Aluminium sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃): A soluble ionic compound.
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): A soluble ionic compound.
* Products:
* Aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)₃): An insoluble white precipitate.
* Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄): A soluble ionic compound.
Explanation:
This reaction is a double displacement reaction where the cations and anions of the reactants switch places. Aluminium ions (Al³⁺) from aluminium sulfate react with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from sodium hydroxide to form the precipitate aluminium hydroxide. The remaining ions, sodium (Na⁺) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻), combine to form the soluble sodium sulfate.
Balancing the Equation:
The equation is balanced by ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
* Aluminium (Al): 2 on both sides
* Sulfur (S): 3 on both sides
* Oxygen (O): 12 on both sides
* Sodium (Na): 6 on both sides
* Hydrogen (H): 6 on both sides
This balanced equation represents the stoichiometry of the reaction, indicating the proportions of reactants and products involved.
