WCH11 June 2022

3.​​ When magnesium oxide reacts with dilute sulfuric acid the equation is

MgO(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l)

What is the ionic equation for the reaction?

A​​  MgO(s) + 2H+(aq) + SO42−(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + SO42−(aq) + H2O(l)

B ​​ MgO(s) + 2H+(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + H2O(l)

C​​  Mg2+(s) + SO42−(aq) → Mg2+(aq)​​ + SO42−(aq)

D​​  O2−(s) + 2H+(aq) → H2O(l)

ANSWER

B ​​ MgO(s) + 2H+(aq) → Mg2+(aq) + H2O(l)

Analysis of Option/Explanation

Remember for ionic equation, we only ionize aqueous part and the other i.e. in solid and liquid state is written as it is.

MgO(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + H2O(l)

MgO(s)​​ +2H+​​ + SO42-​​ Mg2+​​ + SO42-​​ + H2O(l)

Cancel those which are on both sides of equation

MgO(s)​​ +2H+​​ +​​ SO42-​​ Mg2+​​ +​​ SO42-​​ + H2O(l)

MgO(s)​​ +2H+​​ Mg2+​​ H2O(l)

Hence, Option B is the correct answer.