The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between aluminum oxide and sulfuric acid is: Al2O3 ( s ) + 3 H2SO4 ( aq ) Al2(SO4)3 ( aq ) + 3 H2O ( l ) We can interpret this to mean: 1 mole of aluminum oxide and mole(s) of sulfuric acid React to produce: mole(s) of aluminum sulfate and mole(s) of water
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
1 mole of aluminum oxide and 3 moles of sulfuric acid react to produce 1 mole of aluminum sulfate and 3 moles of water.
Explanation
The chemical equation provided is:
Al₂O₃ (s) + 3 H₂SO₄ (aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃ (aq) + 3 H₂O (l)
This is a balanced equation showing the reaction between aluminum oxide and sulfuric acid. It represents a classic acid-base reaction where a metal oxide reacts with an acid to produce a salt and water.
To understand the stoichiometry, examine the coefficients of each compound in the balanced equation. A coefficient in front of a compound tells the number of moles involved in the reaction.
- Al₂O₃ has no number written in front of it, implying a coefficient of 1. This indicates 1 mole of aluminum oxide is used.
- H₂SO₄ has a coefficient of 3. This means 3 moles of sulfuric acid are required to completely react with 1 mole of aluminum oxide.
- Al₂(SO₄)₃ also has no coefficient, indicating 1 mole of aluminum sulfate is formed.
- H₂O has a coefficient of 3, meaning 3 moles of water are produced in the reaction.
This stoichiometric relationship shows the ratio of reactants to products:
1 mol Al₂O₃ : 3 mol H₂SO₄ → 1 mol Al₂(SO₄)₃ : 3 mol H₂O
Aluminum oxide contains two aluminum atoms, which combine with three sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) from the sulfuric acid. The reaction maintains conservation of mass, ensuring all atoms from the reactants are accounted for in the products. The production of water comes from the hydrogen ions of sulfuric acid reacting with the oxygen atoms from aluminum oxide.
This type of analysis helps determine the exact quantities of each substance needed or produced in chemical processes, especially when planning reactions in laboratory or industrial settings.
