Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: happydude on March 22, 2006, 08:50:24 AM

Title: Chemical Reactions: 1ZnSO4 + 1BaNO3 ---> 1BaSO4 + 1ZnNO3
Post by: happydude on March 22, 2006, 08:50:24 AM

Hello,

I have another question regarding chemical reactions.

Write and balance equations for the following reaction:
zinc sulphate + barium nitrate

The answer I got was:
ZN₂(SO4)₂ + 2Ba(NO₃)₂ ---> Ba₂(SO₄)₂ + 2Zn(NO₃)₂

The solution posted was:
1ZnSO₄ + 1BaNO₃ ---> 1BaSO₄ + 1ZnNO₃

Is my answer correct?  
Thanks

Earl

Title: Re:Chemical Reactions
Post by: Borek on March 22, 2006, 08:55:49 AM

Quote from: happydude on March 22, 2006, 08:50:24 AM

Is my answer correct?

No. Check formulas for zinc and barium sulfates.

Title: Re:Chemical Reactions
Post by: happydude on March 22, 2006, 09:29:15 AM

Hi,

I just looked it up and the correct formula for Zinc Sulphate is ZnSO₄ and Barium Sulphate BaSO⁴.  I don't understand why its not Zn2(SO4)2 and Ba2(SO4)2 respectively since Zinc, Barium and Sulphate ion all have valance number of 2.
Thanks for the help

Earl

Title: Re:Chemical Reactions
Post by: Borek on March 22, 2006, 09:53:10 AM

All valence must be used and you (almost) always go for the simplest formula. So for example Na₃Cl₃ have all valences used, but it is not the simplest formula - NaCl is enough.

Title: Re:Chemical Reactions
Post by: happydude on March 22, 2006, 10:13:52 AM

Thanks very much for the prompt reply.  It makes sense now! ;D