Question

Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when barium sulfite (s) and excess hydrochloric acid (aq) are combined. Note: Sulfites follow the same solubility trends as sulfates?

Answer 1

`BaSO_3 (s) + 2 H_3O^+ (aq) -> Ba^(2+) (aq) + 3H_2O(l) + SO_2(g)`.

Explanation:

Sulfurous acid (`H_2SO_3`) is weaker acid than hydrochloric acid(`HCl`).

If stronger acid is added to salt solution formed by weaker acid, weaker acid will be extricated.

The reaction is:
`BaSO_3 + 2HCl -> BaCl_2 + H_2O + SO_2`
and its ionic equation is `BaSO_3 (s) + 2 H_3O^+ (aq) -> Ba^(2+) (aq) + 3H_2O(l) + SO_2(g)`.