When Co(OH)3 reacts with H2SO4 in aqueous solution, which ions act as spectator ions in the complete ionic equation?

• A. H^+ and OH^-
• B. SO4^{2-} and Co^{3+}
• C. None; all ions participate in the reaction
• D. SO4^{2-}

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction between cobalt(III) hydroxide, Co(OH)\_3, and sulfuric acid, H\_2SO\_4. This will help identify the species involved.
2. Write the complete ionic equation by dissociating all strong electrolytes into their respective ions. Remember that Co(OH)\_3 is a solid and does not dissociate, while H\_2SO\_4 dissociates into 2 H\^+ and SO\_4\^{2-} ions.
3. Identify the ions that undergo a chemical change during the reaction. Typically, H\^+ ions react with OH\^- ions to form water, so these ions participate in the reaction.
4. Look for ions that appear unchanged on both sides of the complete ionic equation. These ions do not participate in the reaction and are called spectator ions.
5. Conclude that SO\_4\^{2-} ions remain unchanged throughout the reaction and therefore act as spectator ions.