Here's the balanced chemical equation for the reaction:
FeSO₄(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Fe(OH)₂(s) + Na₂SO₄(aq)
Explanation:
* Ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) is a light green, soluble salt.
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base.
* Ferrous hydroxide (Fe(OH)₂) is a green, insoluble solid that precipitates out of the solution.
* Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) is a soluble salt that remains dissolved in the solution.
Observations:
* You will observe the formation of a green precipitate (Fe(OH)₂) in the reaction mixture.
* The solution will change color from a light green to a clear, colorless solution after the precipitate settles.
Important Notes:
* The reaction is a double displacement reaction where the cations (Fe²⁺ and Na⁺) and anions (SO₄²⁻ and OH⁻) exchange partners.
* The formation of the precipitate is driven by the low solubility of ferrous hydroxide in water.
* This reaction is commonly used to demonstrate double displacement reactions and the formation of precipitates.
