Question

Write the balanced NET IONIC equation for the reaction that occurs when perchloric acid and sodium hypochlorite are combined. Specify specific states (s) (aq) etc.

Use H3O+ instead of H+

This reaction is classified as a:

A. Strong Acid + Strong Base
B. Weak Acid + Strong Base
C. Strong Acid + Weak Base
D. Weak Acid + Weak Base

The extent of this reaction is:

A. ... Below 50%
B. ... 50%
C. ... Above 50%
D. ... 100%

Answer 1

Perchloric acid is HClO₄. Sodium hypochlorite is NaOCl. HClO₄ is a strong acid and NaOCl is the sodium salt of the weak base, hypochlorite, OCl^-.

The ionization equations are given as

HClO₄ (aq) + H₂O (l) --------> H₃O⁺ (aq) + ClO₄^- (aq)

NaOCl (aq) -------> Na⁺ (aq) + OCl^- (aq)

The net ionic equation for the acid-base reaction is given as

H₃O⁺ (aq) + OCl^- (aq) --------> HOCl (aq) + H₂O (l)

H₃O⁺ is a strong acid while OCl^- is a weak base. Therefore, the reaction can be classified as

(C) Strong Acid + Weak Base.

HOCl is a weak acid. A strong acid (H₃O⁺) reacts to give a weak acid (HOCl). Therefore, the extent of the reaction is (C) above 50%.