Write down a balance equation of sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide
H2SO4 + 2NaOH ---> 2 H2O + Na2SO4
Another one is
H2SO4 + NaOH ==> NaHSO4 + H2O
Both equations are correct.
To write a balanced equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), we need to ensure that the number of atoms on the left side of the equation is equal to the number of atoms on the right side of the equation.
The reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide can be represented as follows:
H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O
In this equation, the coefficient in front of each molecule represents the number of molecules or moles required for a balanced equation. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to balance this equation:
1. Start with the sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Since there are two hydrogen atoms on the left side, we will need a coefficient of 2 in front of the water (H2O) on the right side.
H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O
2. Next, balance the oxygen atoms by adjusting the coefficient in front of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). There are two oxygen atoms in sulfuric acid and one oxygen atom in water, so we will need a coefficient of 2 in front of the NaOH.
H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O
3. Finally, check the overall balance of atoms on both sides. We have:
On the left side: 2 hydrogen (H) atoms, 1 sulfur (S) atom, and 4 oxygen (O) atoms.
On the right side: 4 hydrogen (H) atoms, 1 sulfur (S) atom, and 4 oxygen (O) atoms.
The equation is now balanced with the same number of atoms on both sides:
H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O