What is the chemical equation for the reaction between barium chloride and lithium sulfate?

The correct chemical equation for the reaction between barium chloride and lithium sulfate is represented accurately as it shows both reactants in aqueous solution reacting to form a solid precipitate and an aqueous solution. In this reaction, barium chloride (BaCl₂) and lithium sulfate (Li₂SO₄) are both soluble in water, hence they are depicted in the aqueous state. However, when they react, they produce barium sulfate (BaSO₄), which is insoluble in water and precipitates out as a solid.

Thus, the formation of the barium sulfate as a solid is a key aspect of the equation, reflecting the typical exchange reaction that occurs between a soluble salt and another salt leading to the formation of an insoluble compound. The two lithium chloride (LiCl) molecules remain in solution, which is why they are written in aqueous form. This overall stoichiometry ensures that the equation is balanced, accounting for all reactants and products appropriately.

Other options do not accurately reflect the solubility behaviors of the compounds involved. For instance, showing barium chloride or lithium sulfate as solids would misrepresent their states in the reaction and fail to acknowledge that both salts are dissolved in water before the precipitation of barium sulfate occurs.