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A solution prepared by stirring Na2O(s) in water undergoes an acid-base reaction with a solution prepared from SO2(g) and water - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 4
A solution prepared by stirring Na2O(s) in water undergoes an acid-base reaction with a solution prepared from SO2(g) and water. Which one of the following salts cou... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A solution prepared by stirring Na2O(s) in water undergoes an acid-base reaction with a solution prepared from SO2(g) and water - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Determine the Reaction Products
Answer
When Na2O(s) is added to water, it reacts to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base.
Furthermore, the reaction of SO2(g) with water produces sulfurous acid (H2SO3).
The acid-base reaction can be represented as:
This shows that sodium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO3) is created in the reaction.
Step 2
Evaluate Possible Salts
Answer
Given the products of the reaction, we need to determine which salt could be isolated:
- Na2S: Not produced in the reaction.
- NaHSO3: This is formed directly in the reaction.
- Na2SO3: Not formed; it would require a different stoichiometry.
- Na2SO4: This requires the presence of sulfuric acid, which is not formed here.
Thus, only NaHSO3 is correct.
Step 3