Reviewed CSCA Chemistry question · Standard

Which of the following equations is correctly balanced for the reaction between aluminum hydroxide and sulfuric acid to produce aluminum sulfate and water?

2Al(OH)3 + 3H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 6H2O
Al(OH)3 + H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + H2O
2Al(OH)3 + H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 2H2O
Al(OH)3 + 3H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2O

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer

A. 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + 6H2O

Principle or equation

A balanced chemical equation must have the same number of each type of atom on both sides. For the reaction of aluminum hydroxide with sulfuric acid, the products are aluminum sulfate and water.

Why this answer is correct

Check each option by counting atoms. Option 1: Left: Al=2, O=6+12=18, H=6+6=12, S=3. Right: Al=2, S=3, O=12+6=18, H=12. Balanced. Others do not balance.

Example

For the reaction of sodium hydroxide with sulfuric acid: 2NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2H2O is balanced.

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