Question

3 multiple choice 10 points which of the following is the correct formula for the following name: sulfurous acid h₂so₃ h₃so₃ h₂s₂o₃ h₂so₄

Explanation:

Sulfurous acid is an acid that contains sulfur. The naming of acids: when the anion ends with -ite, the acid name ends with -ous. The sulfite ion (\(SO_{3}^{2 - }\)) combines with hydrogen ions (\(H^{+}\)). Using the criss - cross method (charge of sulfite is - 2, charge of hydrogen is + 1), we get \(H_{2}SO_{3}\).
\(H_{3}SO_{3}\): Incorrect as the charge balance is wrong (sulfite has a - 2 charge, hydrogen has + 1, so 2 hydrogens are needed).
\(H_{2}S_{2}O_{3}\): This is thiosulfurous acid (different from sulfurous acid in structure).
\(H_{2}SO_{4}\): This is sulfuric acid (anion is sulfate \(SO_{4}^{2-}\), and the acid name for -ate anion is -ic).

Answer:

\(H_{2}SO_{3}\)