Question

Maalox and Mylanta are both antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide as their active ingredient. Write the balanced equation for the neutralization of hydrochloric acid with aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)3. Include physical states. reaction: | 3HCl(g) + Al(OH)3(s) —— AlCl3(aq) + 3H2O(1) Identify the spectator ions in this reaction. OOH OH A13+ ci-

Answer 1

Answer: The spectator ion in the given equation is chloride ions.

Explanation:

Net ionic equation of any reaction does not include any spectator ions.

Spectator ions are defined as the ions which does not get involved in a chemical equation. They are found on both the sides of the chemical reaction when it is present in ionic form.

The chemical equation for the neutralization of hydrochloric acid and aluminium hydroxide follows:

$3HCl(aq.)+Al(OH)_3(s)\rightarrow AlCl_3(aq.)+3H_2O(l)$

Ionic form of the above equation follows:

$3H^{+}(aq.)+3Cl^-(aq.)+Al(OH)_3(s)\rightarrow Al^{3+}(aq.)+3Cl^-(aq.)+3H_2O(l)$

As, chloride ions are present on both the sides of the reaction. Thus, it will not be present in the net ionic equation and is the spectator ion.

The net ionic equation for the above reaction follows:

$3H^+(aq.)+Al(OH)_3(s)\rightarrow Al^{3+}(aq.)+3H_2O(l)$

Hence, the spectator ion in the given equation is chloride ions.