For the reaction NiO(s) + H2SO4(aq) -> ?, what is the product?

In the given reaction, nickel(II) oxide (NiO) is reacting with sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Nickel(II) oxide is a basic oxide, and when it reacts with sulfuric acid, it undergoes an acid-base reaction that produces a salt and water.

In this case, the salt formed is nickel(II) sulfate (NiSO4), and water (H2O) is generated as a byproduct. The reaction can be understood as follows: the NiO reacts with the H2SO4, where the oxide ion from NiO combines with the hydrogen ions from the acid to form water, while the nickel ion combines with the sulfate ions to form nickel(II) sulfate.

This type of reaction, where a metal oxide reacts with an acid to form a salt and water, is a fundamental concept in chemistry often referred to as a neutralization reaction. Therefore, the resulting products of this reaction are nickel(II) sulfate in aqueous form and water in its liquid state.

The correct answer highlights these expected products, confirming that this understanding aligns with the principles of acid-base chemistry.