Here's the balanced chemical equation for the reaction:
Fe₂(SO₄)₃ (aq) + 6NaOH (aq) → 2Fe(OH)₃ (s) + 3Na₂SO₄ (aq)
Explanation:
* Ferric sulfate (Fe₂(SO₄)₃) is a soluble ionic compound that dissociates into Fe³⁺ ions and SO₄²⁻ ions in water.
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is also a soluble ionic compound that dissociates into Na⁺ ions and OH⁻ ions in water.
* When these solutions are mixed, the Fe³⁺ ions from ferric sulfate react with the OH⁻ ions from sodium hydroxide to form ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃).
* Ferric hydroxide is an insoluble compound and therefore precipitates out of the solution as a reddish-brown solid.
* The remaining ions, Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻, remain in the solution as sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄).
Observations:
* You will observe the formation of a reddish-brown precipitate (ferric hydroxide) in the solution.
* The solution may become slightly cloudy or opaque due to the precipitate.
* The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat and the solution may feel slightly warmer.
Important Note:
This reaction is an example of a double displacement reaction where the cations and anions of the reactants switch partners to form new products. The formation of the insoluble ferric hydroxide drives the reaction forward.
