2Li(s) + 2H+(aq) + SO42–(aq) ---> 2Li+(aq) + SO42–(aq) + H2(g)
The reaction shown above between lithium and sulfuric acid is best described as
1 acid-base.
2 oxidation-reduction.
3 precipitation.
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. 3 only
d. 1 and 2 only
e. 1, 2, and 3
The reaction is 2 only.
It's not an acid-base reaction because no hydrogen atoms are being donated or switched.
It's an oxidation-reduction reaction because electrons are being transfered. The Li on the left has an oxidation number of 0, as it is alone, and then on the right it becomes a +1 ion. Vice versa for the H+ on the left as it becomes an H on the right.
It's not a precipitation reaction as there is no insoluble salt product that is being formed. There is a gas being formed, but that isn't a even a solid.
I had the same problem for a group discussion in my General Chem class. Hope this helps.
To determine the best description of the reaction between lithium and sulfuric acid, we need to analyze the reaction and identify its characteristics.
The reaction equation provided is:
2Li(s) + 2H+(aq) + SO42–(aq) ---> 2Li+(aq) + SO42–(aq) + H2(g)
Based on this equation, we can break down the components involved:
- Lithium (Li) is a solid (s) and is represented as an ion (Li+ (aq)) after the reaction.
- Hydrogen ions (H+) are in an aqueous solution (aq) and are consumed in the reaction to produce hydrogen gas (H2(g)).
- Sulfate ions (SO42–) are also in an aqueous solution before and after the reaction.
Now, let's consider the options given:
1. Acid-base: An acid-base reaction involves the transfer of protons (H+) from an acid to a base. In this reaction, there is indeed a transfer of protons from the sulfuric acid (H+) to lithium (Li), forming lithium ions (Li+) and hydrogen gas (H2). Therefore, option 1 is a possible description of the reaction.
2. Oxidation-reduction: Oxidation-reduction reactions involve the transfer of electrons between species. In the equation provided, there is no change in the oxidation state of any element. Lithium goes from a neutral state (0) to becoming a cation (Li+), while hydrogen ions (H+) are reduced to form hydrogen gas (H2). There is no element that gains or loses electrons in this reaction. Therefore, option 2 does not accurately describe this reaction.
3. Precipitation: Precipitation reactions occur when two aqueous solutions react to form a solid (precipitate). In this reaction, there is no formation of a solid; all the reactants and products remain in the same physical state (aqueous or gaseous). Therefore, option 3 does not accurately describe this reaction.
Considering the analysis above, the best description of the reaction is option (a) 1 only, which represents an acid-base reaction.