Concept:
Sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)) is an acidic oxide. When it reacts with a solution of a basic salt like sodium carbonate (\(Na_2CO_3\)), it behaves similarly to \(CO_2\) but is a stronger acid.
Step 1: Reaction with limited \(SO_2\).
Initially, the \(SO_2\) reacts with sodium carbonate to form sodium sulfite and displace carbon dioxide:
\[
Na_2CO_3 + SO_2 \rightarrow Na_2SO_3 + CO_2 \uparrow
\]
Step 2: Reaction with excess \(SO_2\).
If more \(SO_2\) is passed through the aqueous solution, the sodium sulfite further reacts with the acidic gas and water to form sodium bisulfite (sodium hydrogen sulfite):
\[
Na_2SO_3 + H_2O + SO_2 \rightarrow 2NaHSO_3
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
Depending on the concentration and duration, both sodium sulfite (\(Na_2SO_3\)) and sodium bisulfite (\(NaHSO_3\)) can be present in the reaction mixture.