(NH₄)₂SO₃(s) → 2NH₄⁺(aq) + SO₃²⁻(aq)
Here's a breakdown:
* (NH₄)₂SO₃(s): Ammonium sulfite in its solid state.
* 2NH₄⁺(aq): Two ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) dissolved in water.
* SO₃²⁻(aq): One sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻) dissolved in water.
The reaction is reversible meaning that the dissolved ions can also recombine to form solid ammonium sulfite again if the water is evaporated. This process is called solubility equilibrium.
It's important to note that ammonium sulfite is a weak base. This means that the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻) can react with water to a small extent, producing some hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and making the solution slightly basic. However, the overall reaction is primarily dissolution and dissociation.
