How do I write and balance this chemical equation as a double replacement reaction:
K2SO4(aq) + PB(NO3)2 (aq)
Think about what double replacement means. Change partners.
K of one goes with NO3 of the other.
SO4 of one goes with Pb of the other. (By the way, Pb and PB aren't the same thing)
You have to recognize that SO4-- has a charge of -2 and NO3- has a charge of -1. That will tell you that the products must be KNO3 and PbSO4.
The balanced reaction is
K2SO4(aq) + Pb(NO3)2 (aq)
-> PbSO4 + 2 KNO3
If I remember my chemistry correctly, the lead sulfate (PbSO4) is insoluble in water and will precipitate out. An arrow pointing down is often written after precipitates.
To write and balance a chemical equation for a double replacement reaction, you need to follow a few steps:
Step 1: Identify the reactants and products.
In this case, the reactants are potassium sulfate (K2SO4) and lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO3)2).
Step 2: Determine the products.
In a double replacement reaction, the positive ions (cations) in each reactant switch places. So, the products will be potassium nitrate (KNO3) and lead(II) sulfate (PbSO4).
Step 3: Write the chemical equation using the correct formulas.
K2SO4(aq) + Pb(NO3)2 (aq) → KNO3(aq) + PbSO4(s)
Step 4: Balance the equation.
To balance the equation, make sure there is an equal number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
K2SO4(aq) + Pb(NO3)2(aq) → 2KNO3(aq) + PbSO4(s)
In this balanced equation, there are two potassium (K) atoms on both sides, two sulfate (SO4) ions on both sides, two nitrate (NO3) ions on both sides, and one lead (Pb) atom on both sides.