Problem 81 - Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach

Question

Aluminum hydroxide is used in some antacids. Write a balanced net ionic equation for the reaction of aluminum hydroxide with HCl.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Question: Write the balanced net ionic equation for the reaction between aluminum hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. Answer: Al(OH)3 (s) + 3H+ (aq) -> Al3+ (aq) + 3H2O (l)

Step 1: Write the balanced molecular equation

First, we need to write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction between aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Al(OH)3 (s) + 3HCl (aq) -> AlCl3 (aq) + 3H2O (l)

Step 2: Identify the spectator ions

In order to write the net ionic equation, we need to identify the spectator ions. Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in the reaction and remain unchanged. They will be present in both the reactants and products. In this reaction, Al3+ and Cl- ions are the spectator ions. They do not participate in the reaction and remain unchanged.

Step 3: Write the balanced net ionic equation

Now that we've identified the spectator ions, we can write the balanced net ionic equation by removing them from the balanced molecular equation. Net ionic equation: Al(OH)3 (s) + 3H+ (aq) -> Al3+ (aq) + 3H2O (l) The net ionic equation highlights the chemical species that are involved in the reaction between aluminum hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, and this represents the desired answer.