What is the net ionic equation for for the reaction between Sr(OH)2 and H2SO4?

The question gives a few options including:

#Sr^(2+) + SO_4^(2-)rarr SrSO_4#

and

#H^(+) + OH^(-)rarr H_2O#

The key for the worksheet says the answer is the first option because according to solubility rules #SrSO_4# is not soluble and forms a soild ppt.

But since this is a acid-base neutralization reaction wouldn't the answer be the second option?

1 Answer
anor277
Feb 4, 2018

I agree with you that the question is neither well-proposed, nor well-answered....

Explanation:

The net ionic equation addresses NET chemical change....

#Sr(OH)_2(s) + H_2SO_4(aq) rarr SrSO_4(s)darr+2H_2O(l)#

And this is the equation that encompasses BOTH the neutralization reaction, and the precipitation reaction. Water certainly has been formed...BUT also insoluble strontium sulfate has precipitated, i.e. clearly macroscopic chemical change. If you talk it over with your lecturer, he or she would probably agree with the assessment given here....

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