Chapter 5.2, Problem 5.10P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced equation for the reaction has to be written.  Each polyatomic ion as a unit has to be balanced, instead of balancing the individual atoms.

The given equation is,

  ${\text{Al+H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}\stackrel{}{\to }{\text{Al}}_{\text{2}}{\left({\text{SO}}_{\text{4}}\right)}_{\text{3}}{\text{+H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

Concept Introduction:

An equation is balanced with coefficients, one element at a time, starting with the most complex formula and starting with an element that appears in only one formula on both sides of the equation.

The coefficients are placed until the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced equation for the reaction has to be written.  Each polyatomic ion as a unit has to be balanced, instead of balancing the individual atoms.

The given equation is,

  ${\text{Na}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{3}}{\text{+H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}\stackrel{}{\to }{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{SO}}_{\text{3}}{\text{+Na}}_{\text{3}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).