Hi everyone,

 

I've been told by my tutor that this formula:

 

Na2S2O3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → S(s) + SO2(g) + 2NaCl(aq) + H2O

 

is incomplete as it doesn't consider the effects of heat on the collisions of particles. I know what the effect is, but is she suggesting I represent heat in the equation itself? I've looked all over the net for something to give me a clue - but can't find it! Could anyone help?

 

 

thanks

Gav

I also don't see what she is aiming at.

 

Sometimes, reaction equations are given, with a change of energy:

 

e.g. A + B --> C + D -100 kJ/mol

 

But this only tells that this reaction occurs and that for each mol of reactants 100 kJ of energy is absorbed (or released if the value is positive).

 

Most reactions also depend on temperature, but that usually is not put in the equation. Sometimes people put something above the arrow, such as "600 C", telling that the reaction occurs at that temperature, but this also is not the case in this reaction you mention. That reaction occurs at many temperatures, but its speed increases with increasing temperature. So, no, I don't see her point. Ask her to tell it, and please come back to us, telling what she means.