Problem 30 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

Write a balanced equation describing the reaction of aluminum metal with concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum metal with concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide is: \(2Al(s) + 6NaOH(aq) \rightarrow 2Al(OH)_3(s) + 6Na\)

Step 1: Determine the products

The reaction between aluminum and sodium hydroxide will result in the formation of aluminum hydroxide and sodium metal. The chemical formulas for these compounds are Al(OH)₃ and Na, respectively.

Step 2: Write the unbalanced chemical equation

Incorporating the reactants and products, the unbalanced equation is: Al(`s) + NaOH(`aq) → Al(OH)₃(s) + Na

Step 3: Balance the chemical equation

To balance the equation, we need to make sure that there are equal numbers of each element on both sides of the equation. The unbalanced equation is: Al(`s) + NaOH(`aq) → Al(OH)₃(s) + Na To balance it, we can start with the aluminum (Al) and hydroxide (OH) ions first. 2Al(`s) + 6NaOH(`aq) → 2Al(OH)₃(s) + 6Na Now the equation is balanced with equal numbers of aluminum, sodium and hydroxide ions on both sides. The balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum metal with concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide is: 2Al(`s) + 6NaOH(`aq) → 2Al(OH)₃(s) + 6Na