Chapter 4, Problem 4.56P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced total and net ionic equations for the reaction of aluminium sulfate with aqueous $\text{NaOH}$ is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

There are three types of equations that are utilized to represent an ionic reaction:

1. Molecular equation

2. Total ionic equation

3. Net ionic equation

The molecular equation represents the reactants and products of the ionic reaction in undissociated form. In total ionic reaction, all the dissociated ions that are present in the reaction mixture are represented and in net ionic reaction, the useful ions that participate in the reaction are represented.

Precipitation reaction involves the reaction of two soluble ionic compounds to form an insoluble product. The insoluble product is known as a precipitate.

The reason for the precipitation reaction to occur is the formation of a product that is insoluble in nature.

Spectator ions are the ions that are not a part of the actual chemical change but are present in the reaction mixture to balance the charge on both sides of the reaction. They are represented in the total ionic reaction. These are the dissolved ions present in the reaction mixture.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mass of precipitate formed when $185.5\text{ mL}$ of $0.533M\text{NaOH}$ is added to $627\text{ mL}$ of a solution that contains $15.8\text{ g}$ of aluminum sulfate per liter is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Precipitation reaction involves the reaction of two soluble ionic compounds to form an insoluble product. The insoluble product is known as a precipitate.

The reason for the precipitation reaction to occur is the formation of a product that is insoluble in nature. The insoluble product is formed when the electrostatic attraction between the ions is greater as compared to the attraction between ions and water molecule. The product will remain intact and precipitate out from the solution.

Limiting reagent is the species that is completely consumed in the reaction and the product are formed in accordance to the concentration of the limiting reagent as the reaction cannot proceed in the absence of the limiting reagent.