Balancing Chemical Equations and Ions

The video tutorial explains how to balance the chemical equation involving sulfurous acid (H2SO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It begins by counting the atoms on each side of the equation, treating the sulfite ion (SO3) as a single unit to simplify the process. The tutorial then demonstrates balancing sodium and oxygen atoms by adjusting coefficients, ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides. The final steps involve balancing hydrogen atoms, resulting in a balanced chemical equation. The video concludes with a summary of the process and the importance of treating polyatomic ions as single units when they appear unchanged on both sides of the equation.

What is the initial chemical equation that needs to be balanced?

• H2SO4 + NaOH

• H2O + Na2SO3

• H2O + NaCl

• H2SO3 + NaOH

Why is the SO3 ion counted as one item in the balancing process?

• It is not reactive.

• It is a single element.

• It is a gas.

• It appears on both sides of the equation.

How many hydrogen atoms are initially present on the left side of the equation?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• One

What is the first step in balancing the equation?

• Balancing the sulfite ions

• Balancing the hydrogen atoms

• Balancing the sodium atoms

• Balancing the oxygen atoms

What coefficient is placed in front of NaOH to balance the sodium atoms?

• 4

• 2

• 3

• 1

How many total hydrogen atoms are there after balancing the equation?

• Two

• Five

• Three

• Four

What is the coefficient of H2O in the balanced equation?

• 2

• 3

• 1

• 4

Why is it important to count the sulfite ion in the balancing process?

• It is a catalyst.

• It is a rare ion.

• It simplifies the balancing process.

• It changes the equation.

What is the final balanced equation for the reaction?

• H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O

• H2SO3 + 2NaOH → Na2SO3 + 2H2O

• H2SO3 + NaOH → NaHSO3 + H2O

• H2SO3 + NaOH → Na2SO3 + H2O