Write the net ionic equation for the acid-base reaction between solid aluminum hydroxide and aqueous nitric acid. Afterwards, determine the sum of the coefficients and report your answer in the box below. Remember to include a coefficient of 1 in your calculations even if it is usually left out.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Net Ionic Equation for the Acid-Base Reaction Between Aluminum Hydroxide and Nitric Acid
The reaction between solid aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) and aqueous nitric acid (HNO₃) is an acid-base reaction. First, let’s break it down:
Step 1: Write the molecular equation.
The molecular equation represents all of the compounds in their undissociated forms:
[
\text{Al(OH)}_3 (s) + 3\text{HNO}_3 (aq) \rightarrow \text{Al(NO}_3)_3 (aq) + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} (l)
]
Step 2: Write the complete ionic equation.
Now, break down all the strong electrolytes (soluble compounds) into their ions:
[
\text{Al(OH)}_3 (s) + 3\text{H}^+ (aq) + 3\text{NO}_3^- (aq) \rightarrow \text{Al}^{3+} (aq) + 3\text{NO}_3^- (aq) + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} (l)
]
Step 3: Write the net ionic equation.
The nitrate ions ((\text{NO}_3^-)) are spectator ions because they appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. Removing these ions, we get the net ionic equation:
[
\text{Al(OH)}_3 (s) + 3\text{H}^+ (aq) \rightarrow \text{Al}^{3+} (aq) + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} (l)
]
Step 4: Determine the sum of the coefficients.
To find the sum of the coefficients, let’s list the coefficients:
- Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃): 1
- Hydrogen ion (H⁺): 3
- Aluminum ion (Al³⁺): 1
- Water (H₂O): 3
Sum of the coefficients:
1 + 3 + 1 + 3 = 8
Explanation
In this reaction, aluminum hydroxide acts as a base, donating hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to neutralize the hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the nitric acid. The nitric acid, acting as the acid, dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻). The reaction forms aluminum nitrate (Al(NO₃)₃), which is soluble in water, and water (H₂O). Since the nitrate ions do not participate in the reaction, they are considered spectator ions and are omitted in the net ionic equation.
Now, let me generate an image illustrating the reaction.
Here is an image illustrating the chemical reaction between solid aluminum hydroxide and aqueous nitric acid, showing the formation of aluminum nitrate and water. Let me know if you need any more explanations or further details!
