2K⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → 2H₂O(l) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)
Here's how we arrive at this equation:
1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
2KOH(aq) + H₂SO₄(aq) → 2H₂O(l) + K₂SO₄(aq)
2. Break down the soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:
- KOH(aq) dissociates into K⁺(aq) and OH⁻(aq)
- H₂SO₄(aq) dissociates into 2H⁺(aq) and SO₄²⁻(aq)
- K₂SO₄(aq) dissociates into 2K⁺(aq) and SO₄²⁻(aq)
- H₂O(l) is a liquid and does not dissociate into ions.
3. Combine the ions from the reactants and products to form the complete ionic equation:
2K⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → 2H₂O(l) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)
Important Note: The complete ionic equation shows all the ions present in the solution. This is different from the net ionic equation, which only shows the ions that participate in the reaction (the ones that change their state or form a precipitate).
