15 Facts on H2SO3 + CaCO3: What, How To Balance & FAQs

H₂SO₃ is a weak acid and CaCO₃ is a mild basic salt derived from the reaction of a strong base and weak acid. Let us see how these two react with the help of this article.

Sulphurous acid (H₂SO₃) and Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) react to form salt and water. CaCO₃ is an inorganic compound found in minerals and sedimentary rocks. It is sometimes also referred to as limestone or marble. H₂SO₃ is an intermediate formed during acid rain. It mostly occurs in its gaseous state.

We will discuss how to balance H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ chemical equation and facts about redox reaction, intermolecular forces, type of reaction etc., through this article.

What is the product of H₂SO₃ and CaCO₃

Calcium sulphite ( CaSO₃), water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are formed during the reaction between H₂SO₃ and CaCO₃. The chemical equation for the H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is:

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ = CaSO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

What type of reaction is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ is an acid-base reaction where H₂SO₃ and CaCO₃ act as a weak acid and weak base respectively. The reaction is a two-step reaction.

How to balance H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃

The balanced chemical equation for H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is,

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ = CaSO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

• The general chemical equation for the reaction is.

• H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ = CaSO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

• To check if the number of atoms available on both sides of the reaction is equal or not. In this case, number of atoms are equal which means the equation is already balanced.

• Therefore, the balanced chemical equation for the reaction is,

• H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ = CaSO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ titration

The titration of H₂SO₃ and CaCO₃ is not feasible as CaCO₃ is available in a solid phase and cannot be titrated.

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ net ionic equation

The net ionic equation for the H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is,

CaCO₃ (s) + H₂SO₃ (l) = CaSO₃ (s) + H₂O (l) + CO₂ (g)

• Write the general balanced chemical equation,

• H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ = CaSO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

• Indicate the chemical states of each compound available in the equation.

• CaCO₃ (s) + H₂SO₃ (l) = CaSO₃ (s) + H₂O (l) + CO₂ (g)

• Split the strong electrolytes into their ions. Here, no compound is a strong electrolyte. Therefore, the net ionic equation for H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is,

• CaCO₃ (s) + H₂SO₃ (l) = CaSO₃ (s) + H₂O (l) + CO₂ (g)

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ conjugate pairs

H₂SO₃ and CaCO₃ do not form any conjugate pair because there is no proton change between CaCO₃ and H₂SO₃ during the process.

• The conjugate pair of H₂SO₃ is its weaker base HSO₃^–.

• The conjugate pair of H₂O is OH^– ion.

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ intermolecular forces

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ has the following intermolecular forces,

• The intermolecular forces between H₂O molecules are dipole-dipole interaction and London dispersion forces.
• Electrostatic force of attraction is present in CaCO₃ molecules.
• CO₂ molecules have London dispersion force between them.

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction enthalpy

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction enthalpy is 17.22 kJ/mol. The standard enthalpy of formation for the reactants and products involved is:

Therefore, Δ_fH: (Standard enthalpy of formation of products) – (Standard enthalpy of formation of reactants)

Δ_fH: [ -1158.97 – 285.83 – 393.5] – [-635.55 – 1219.97]

Δ_fH: 17.22 kJ/mol

Is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ a buffer solution

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ is not a buffer solution though H₂SO₃ is a weak acid, there is no conjugate base available for H₂SO₃ in the reaction. The CaCO₃ available here is also a very weak base.

Is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ a complete reaction

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is a complete reaction and it involves two steps. There is no further process in the reaction.

Is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ an exothermic or endothermic reaction

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is an endothermic reaction as the enthalpy of reaction has a positive value and heat is required to initiate the process.

Is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ a redox reaction

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is not a redox reaction because the oxidation states of atoms remained unchanged through the chemical process.

Is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ a precipitation reaction

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is a precipitation reaction and precipitates of CaSO₃ are obtained which are white in colour.

Is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reversible or irreversible reaction

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is an irreversible reaction because the CO₂ escaped during the process shifts the equilibrium to the right of equation, as stated by Le Chatelier’s principle.

Is H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ displacement reaction

H₂SO₃ + CaCO₃ reaction is a double displacement reaction followed by a dissociation reaction.

Conclusion

This article concludes that both the compounds H₂SO₃ and CaCO_3­ are weak acids and bases respectively and cannot be titrated against each other. Calcium carbonate is an important
mineral and is found in caves. H₂SO₃ is only available as an intermediate during acid rain.

Read more about following H2SO3 facts

Sahil Singh

Hi, I am Sahil Singh. I completed my graduation in Bachelor of Science. I always have keen interest in Physics & Chemistry. I worked on my own blog for 1 year in the technology and gaming niche. I try my best to provide valuable knowledge through my articles.
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