15 Facts on H2SO4 + Na2SO3: What, How to Balance & FAQs

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is an inorganic reaction that produces three products. Let us explore some more interesting facts about this reaction.

Oil of vitriol or H2SO4 is a mineral acid that is very corrosive in nature. Na2SO3 is a white-colored solid which is soluble in water.

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is a reaction that produces SO2 as the major product, water, and Na2SO4.In this article, we will look into the various interesting properties like the product formed, type of reaction, intermolecular forces, etc. about this reaction.

What is the product of H2SO4 and Na2SO3?

SO2, H2O, and Na2SO4 are the products formed in the reaction of H2SO4 + Na2SO3 respectively.

H2SO4 + Na2SO3= SO2 + H2O + Na2SO4

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Structure of SO2

What type of reaction is H2SO4 + Na2SO3?

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 shows an acid-base or neutralization reaction. In H2SO4 + Na2SO3 , H2SO4 acts as an acid and Na2SO3 acts as a base.

How to balance H2SO4 + Na2SO3?

To balance H2SO4 + Na2SO we imply the hit and trial method using the given steps.

  • Firstly, write down the complete reaction.
  • Analyze the number of a particular species on both the reactants and products side.
  • Then write down the complete balanced reaction ensuring that equal number of species is present on LHS and RHS.
  • H2SO4 + Na2SO3= SO2 + H2O + Na2SO4
Atom Reactant side Product side
H 2 2
S 2 2
O 7 7
Na 2 2
Balancing the number of atoms on both the sides of the reaction

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 titration

The titration between strong acid H2SO4 and Na2SO3 is not feasible to proceed.

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 net ionic equation

The net ionic equation of the reaction H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is as follows-

2H++ SO42- + 2Na+ + SO32-= SO32- + 2H+ + 2Na+ +SO42-

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 conjugate pairs

The conjugate pairs of H2SO4 and Na2SO3 respectively are SO42- and H2O.

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 intermolecular forces

The intermolecular forces acting on H2SO4 and Na2SO3 in the reaction are as follows:

  • Na2SO3 has ion-dipole force acting between Na+ and SO42-
  • H2SO4 has three intermolecular forces namely Vander Waal, H bonding, and dipole dipole.

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 reaction enthalpy

The reaction enthalpy of H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is a spontaneous reaction with ΔG =-105.0kJ/mol.

Is H2SO4 + Na2SO3 a buffer solution

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is not a buffer solution as, in H2SO4 + Na2SO3 reaction, H2SO4 is a strong acid and Na2SO3 is salt.

Is H2SO4 + Na2SO3 a complete reaction

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is a complete reaction as stable products like SO2, H2O, and Na2SO4  are formed.

Is H2SO4 + Na2SO3 an exothermic or endothermic reaction

The reaction H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is an exothermic reaction as the enthalpy comes out to be negative.

Is H2SO4 + Na2SO3 a redox reaction

The reaction H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is not a redox reaction as there is no change in the oxidation states of each atom as the reaction proceeds.

Is H2SO4 + Na2SO3 a precipitation reaction

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is not a precipitation reaction. The salt formed in H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is highly soluble in water so there is no scope for precipitate formation.

Is H2SO4 + Na2SO3 reversible or irreversible reaction

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is an irreversible reaction as stable products are formed.

Is H2SO4 + Na2SO3 displacement reaction

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is not a displacement reaction as no group or atom displaces another group or atom in the reaction.

Conclusion

H2SO4 + Na2SO3 is a thermodynamically stable reaction that proceeds with the release of energy.SO2 with its characteristic pungent smell is released on the completion of the reaction as a product. There is no change in the oxidation state of any atom as the reactants H2SO4 + Na2SO3 convert to the products.