Question

which type of reaction is the following?
h₂so₄(aq) + 2lioh(aq) → li₂so₄(aq) + 2h₂o(l)
a) precipitation
b) combination
c) decomposition
d) acid - base neutralization
e) single replacement

Explanation:

• A precipitation reaction forms an insoluble solid (precipitate). Here, no precipitate is formed as \(Li_2SO_4\) is aqueous (\(aq\)).
• A combination reaction has two or more reactants forming one product. This reaction has two products (\(Li_2SO_4\) and \(H_2O\)), so it's not a combination reaction.
• A decomposition reaction has one reactant breaking into multiple products. Here, there are two reactants (\(H_2SO_4\) and \(LiOH\)), so it's not a decomposition reaction.
• An acid - base neutralization reaction is between an acid (\(H_2SO_4\), which donates \(H^{+}\) ions) and a base (\(LiOH\), which donates \(OH^{-}\) ions) to form a salt (\(Li_2SO_4\)) and water (\(H_2O\)). The general form of an acid - base reaction is \(H^+ + OH^-\to H_2O\), and in this reaction \(H_2SO_4\) (as \(2H^+ + SO_4^{2 -}\)) reacts with \(2LiOH\) (as \(2Li^+ + 2OH^-\)) to give \(2H_2O\) and \(Li_2SO_4\).
• A single - replacement reaction has the form \(A+BC\to AC + B\). This reaction does not follow that pattern.

Answer:

d) acid - base neutralization