Zinc Sulfide Precipitation

ZnSO₄ + Na₂S → ZnS↓ + Na₂SO₄

Overview

Zinc sulfate reacts with sodium sulfide to form a white precipitate of zinc sulfide (Ksp = 2 × 10⁻²⁵). ZnS occurs naturally as the mineral sphalerite, the most important zinc ore. Zinc sulfide phosphors are used in cathode ray tubes and luminous paints.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Zinc Sulfate ZnSO₄	1	(aq)
Product	Sodium Sulfate Na₂SO₄	1	(aq)

Everyday Example

Glow-in-the-dark toys and watch dials often use zinc sulfide phosphors doped with copper, which glow green after light exposure.

Industrial Importance

Sphalerite (ZnS) is the world's most important zinc ore. ZnS phosphors are used in display technology, X-ray screens, and luminescent coatings.

Properties

Type: Precipitation
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -65.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Hydroxide Precipitation Barium Carbonate Precipitation Barium Sulfate Precipitation Cadmium Sulfide Precipitation (Yellow) Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite) Calcium Oxalate Precipitation (Kidney Stones) Calcium Phosphate Precipitation (Bone Mineral) Calcium Sulfate Precipitation (Gypsum) Chromium(III) Hydroxide Precipitation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Zinc Sulfide Precipitation?

The balanced equation is: ZnSO₄ + Na₂S → ZnS↓ + Na₂SO₄.

What type of reaction is Zinc Sulfide Precipitation?

Zinc Sulfide Precipitation is a precipitation reaction.

Is Zinc Sulfide Precipitation exothermic or endothermic?

Zinc Sulfide Precipitation is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -65.0 kJ/mol.