Question

How does sodium stearate `C_17H_35CO_2^(-)Na^+` form an insoluble salt with calcium ion?

Answer 1

`2C_17H_35CO_2^(-)Na^(+)(aq) + CaCl_2(aq) rarr (C_17H_35CO_2)_2^(-)Ca^(2+)(s)darr +2NaCl(aq)`

Explanation:

Is charge balanced? Is mass balanced? Both conditions must be satisfied if the equation is stoichiometrically balanced, and in all chemical transformations both mass and charge are balanced.