1. Identify the reactants and products:
* Reactants: Ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
* Products: Ferrous hydroxide (Fe(OH)₂) and sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄)
2. Write the unbalanced equation:
FeSO₄(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Fe(OH)₂(s) + Na₂SO₄(aq)
3. Balance the equation:
To balance the equation, we need to make sure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides:
FeSO₄(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Fe(OH)₂(s) + Na₂SO₄(aq)
The balanced molecular equation is:
FeSO₄(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Fe(OH)₂(s) + Na₂SO₄(aq)
Explanation:
* (aq) indicates that the substance is dissolved in water (aqueous solution).
* (s) indicates that the substance is a solid precipitate.
This reaction produces a green precipitate of ferrous hydroxide, which is insoluble in water.
