What type of reaction is the following? NaCl + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 +
HCl Group of answer choices double replacement single replacement
combustion CH4
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The reaction ( \text{NaCl} + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + \text{HCl} ) is classified as a double replacement reaction (also known as a double displacement or metathesis reaction).
Explanation:
In a double replacement reaction, two compounds exchange ions or molecules to form two new compounds. This type of reaction typically occurs in solutions where the reactants are ionic compounds or acids that can dissociate into their respective ions.
Reactants and Products:
- Reactants:
- Sodium chloride (( \text{NaCl} )) is an ionic compound that dissociates into sodium ions (( \text{Na}^+ )) and chloride ions (( \text{Cl}^- )).
- Sulfuric acid (( \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 )) is a strong acid that dissociates into hydrogen ions (( \text{H}^+ )) and sulfate ions (( \text{SO}_4^{2-} )).
- Products:
- Sodium sulfate (( \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 )) forms, where two sodium ions combine with one sulfate ion.
- Hydrochloric acid (( \text{HCl} )) is produced as the hydrogen ions from sulfuric acid combine with chloride ions from sodium chloride.
Reaction Process:
In this reaction, the sodium ions from sodium chloride replace the hydrogen ions in sulfuric acid to form sodium sulfate, while the hydrogen ions combine with chloride ions to produce hydrochloric acid. This exchange of ions is characteristic of double replacement reactions.
Characteristics:
- Ionic Compounds: Double replacement reactions usually involve the reaction of ionic compounds in solution.
- Formation of New Compounds: The formation of new products that are different from the reactants is a hallmark of this reaction type.
- Driving Forces: Such reactions can occur due to the formation of a precipitate, a gas, or a weak electrolyte (such as water).
In summary, the reaction ( \text{NaCl} + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + \text{HCl} ) exemplifies a double replacement reaction where the ions from the reactants are exchanged to form new compounds.