The reaction of sulfur trioxide (SO₃) with water (H₂O) leads to the formation of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). This is an important chemical reaction in the production of sulfuric acid, which is widely used in various industrial processes. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
\[ \text{SO}_3 (g) + \text{H}_2\text{O} (l) \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 (aq) \]
In this reaction:
- SO₃ is a gas that is highly reactive.
- H₂O is liquid water.
- H₂SO₄ is sulfuric acid, which is produced in an aqueous (dissolved in water) form.
This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. It's important to handle SO₃ with care when conducting this reaction, as it can be very corrosive and hazardous.