Chapter 4, Problem 4.68P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the solubility of zinc hydroxide in aqueous nitric acid is to be explained. Also, the balanced molecular, total ionic, and net ionic equations for the acid-base reaction between zinc hydroxide and nitric acid are to be written.

Concept introduction:

Strong acids and strong bases are the substance that dissociates completely into its ions when dissolved in the solution. They dissociate completely in water to release ${\text{H}}^{+}$ ions and ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ions.

Weak acids and weak bases are the substance that does not dissociate completely into its ions when dissolved in the solution. They dissociate partially in water to release ${\text{H}}^{+}$ ions and ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ions.

The driving force of the acid-base reaction is the formation of a gaseous product or precipitate in the reaction.

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.

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.