How do you balance #H_2SO_4 + NH_4OH -> H_2O + (NH_4)_2SO_4#?

1 Answer
BRIAN M.
Jun 2, 2016

The balanced equation is
#H_2SO_4 + 2 NH_4OH -> 2 H_2O + (NH_4)_2SO_4#

Explanation:

This is a neutralization equation of an acid #H_2SO_4#, sulfuric acid with a base #NH_4OH# ammonium hydroxide to form water #H_2O# and a salt #(NH_4)_2SO_4# ammonium sulfate.

When balancing a neutralization, balance the water #H_2O# is #HOH# and the rest of the equation will balance.

#H_2SO_4 + NH_4OH -> H_2O + (NH_4)_2SO_4#

The 2 #H^+# ions in the acid need 2 #OH^-# ions to form 2 water molecules #HOH# or #H_2O#

Therefore the equation balances at

#H_2SO_4 + 2 NH_4OH -> 2 H_2O + (NH_4)_2SO_4#

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