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Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
Chapter 22, Problem 136

Write a balanced net ionic equation for each of the following reactions. (a) Zn(s) + dilute H2SO4(aq) → ? (b) BaSO3(s) + HCl(aq) → ? (c) Cu(s) + hot, concentrated H2SO4(l) → ? (d) H2S(aq) + I2(aq) → ?

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Identify the reactants and products for each reaction. For example, in reaction (a), the reactants are Zn(s) and H2SO4(aq), and the products are ZnSO4(aq) and H2(g).
Step 2: Write the complete ionic equation for each reaction by breaking down all aqueous compounds into their respective ions. For example, in reaction (a), H2SO4(aq) dissociates into 2H+(aq) and SO4^2-(aq).
Step 3: Identify and cancel out the spectator ions that appear on both sides of the complete ionic equation. Spectator ions do not participate in the actual chemical change.
Step 4: Write the net ionic equation by including only the species that undergo a change. For example, in reaction (a), the net ionic equation would involve Zn(s) and H+(aq) forming Zn^2+(aq) and H2(g).
Step 5: Ensure that the net ionic equation is balanced in terms of both mass and charge. Check that the number of atoms and the total charge are the same on both sides of the equation.