Question

write the complete ionic equation and net ionic equation for reaction of sodium sulfite with sulfuric acid. include states of all chemicals.

Answer 1

This reaction takes place in two steps completely.

Step 1: Reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium sulfite.

First, sulfuric acid H₂SO₄ reacts with sodium sulfite Na₂SO₃ to produce sodium sulfate Na₂SO₄ and sulfurous acid H₂SO₃:

H₂SO_4(liq) + Na₂SO_3(s)---------= Na₂SO_4(s) + H₂SO_3(liq)

This is the example of a double replacement reaction.

Step 2: Decomposition of sulfurous acid.

In Second step, the sulfurous acid product H₂SO₃, this is unstable & decomposes further.