Here's how to determine the ionic equation for the reaction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) when warmed:

1. Write the balanced molecular equation:

2NaOH(aq) + (NH₄)₂SO₄(aq) → Na₂SO₄(aq) + 2NH₃(g) + 2H₂O(l)

2. Identify the soluble ionic compounds:

* NaOH (sodium hydroxide)

* (NH₄)₂SO₄ (ammonium sulfate)

* Na₂SO₄ (sodium sulfate)

3. Write the ionic equation by breaking down the soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:

2Na⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2NH₄⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → 2Na⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) + 2NH₃(g) + 2H₂O(l)

4. Cancel out spectator ions:

Spectator ions are the ions that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻ are spectator ions.

5. The final ionic equation:

2OH⁻(aq) + 2NH₄⁺(aq) → 2NH₃(g) + 2H₂O(l)

Important Notes:

* Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) is not formed: While it might seem intuitive, ammonium hydroxide is unstable and readily decomposes into ammonia gas (NH₃) and water (H₂O).

* Heating is crucial: The reaction is favored by heating, as it drives off the ammonia gas, making the reaction proceed to completion.

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