Question

Give the spectator ions for the reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of MgSO3 and HI are mixed. A. H⁺ and SO₃²⁻ B. Mg²⁺ and I⁻ C. H⁺ and I D. SO₃²⁻and Mg²⁺ E. No spectator ions are present.

Answer 1

The spectator ions for the reaction between MgSO3 and HI are Mg2+ and I-, as they remain in solution and do not participate in the reaction to form a precipitate or weak acid product.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the spectator ions in the reaction between MgSO3 and HI, we should first write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction. When these compounds react, the products are MgI2 and H2SO3. Since H2SO3 is a weak acid, it will not completely dissociate in the solution. Thus, the spectator ions are those which do not participate in the formation of the precipitate or weak acid product.

We can simplify the equation to show the net ionic reaction. As MgSO3 forms a solid and HI entirely dissociates, we consider the ions that do not change from reactants to products. The ions Mg2+ and I- remain in solution and do not participate in the reaction, making them spectator ions.