What is the net ionic equation that represents a neutralization reaction between H2SO4 and NaOH?
##2H^+ (aq) +2OH^-####(aq) -> 2H_2O (l)##
First step is to predict the products side of the reaction and then balance the equation . Take note of solubility rules when predicting products to know if they are aqueous, liquid, solid, etc.
(1) ##H_2SO_4 (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) -> 2H_2O (l) + Na_2SO_4 (aq)##
Next, separate the strong electrolytes and ionic compounds into their respective ions :
(2) ##2H^+ (aq) + SO_4^”2-” (aq) + 2Na^+ (aq) + 2OH^-####(aq) -> 2H_2O (l) + 2Na^+ (aq) + SO_4^”2-” (aq)##
Lastly, remove the spectator ions common in both sides of the equation, which leaves us with:
(3) ##2H^+ (aq) +2OH^-####(aq) -> 2H_2O (l)##
NOTE : Liquid/Solid/Gaseous compounds should be left unionized (left as is).