how do you write a balanced molecular equation for the reaction of aqueous ammonium chloride with aqueous sodium hydroxide?

Answer 1

1.) Identify the chemical species.

We have ammonium chloride which is NH₄Cl. The ammonium has a +1 charge while the chloride has a -1 charge.

Next, we have sodium hydroxide which is denoted as NaOH, The sodium has a +1 charge while the hydroxide has a -1 charge.

2.) Write the equation

Because each ion has either a +1 or -1 charge, this looks like a simple substitution reaction. However, it is not. The reason is that NH₄OH is basic and will reach an equilibrium with water as described below:

NH₄OH(_aq) <=> NH_3(aq) + H₂O_(aq)

Therefore the blanced equation will be as follows:

NH₄Cl_(aq) + NaCl_(aq) <=> NH_3(aq) + H₂O_(aq) + NaCl_(aq)

However, if you put this balanced equation, depending on your chemistry teacher, it may be counted correct:

NH₄Cl_(aq) + NaCl_(aq) <=> NH₄OH(_aq) + NaCl_(aq)