Write a comlete, balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs between aqueous iron(II) sulfate,FeSO4, and aqueous potassium hydroxide
Remember: Ferric hydroxide precipitates.
To write a complete, balanced chemical equation for the reaction between iron(II) sulfate (FeSO4) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), we need to consider the subscripts and charges of the elements involved.
First, let's write the chemical formulas for the reactants:
- Iron(II) sulfate: FeSO4
- Potassium hydroxide: KOH
The reaction between these two substances will produce a precipitate of iron(II) hydroxide (Fe(OH)2) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4).
Now, we can write the balanced chemical equation:
FeSO4 (aq) + 2KOH (aq) → Fe(OH)2 (s) + K2SO4 (aq)
In this equation, "(aq)" represents an aqueous solution, and "(s)" represents a solid precipitate. To balance the equation, we ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
To balance the equation, we follow these steps:
1. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
2. Adjust the coefficients (numbers placed in front of a chemical formula) to balance the equation.
3. Ensure that the total charge is balanced on both sides.
In this case, we need to balance the number of potassium (K), sulfur (S), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H) atoms. By adding a coefficient of 2 in front of KOH (potassium hydroxide) and a coefficient of 1 in front of Fe(OH)2 (iron(II) hydroxide), the equation becomes balanced.
Now, the equation is balanced as follows:
FeSO4 (aq) + 2KOH (aq) → Fe(OH)2 (s) + K2SO4 (aq)
Remember, when writing chemical equations, it is essential to balance them to accurately represent the reaction taking place.