Answer:
NO₃⁻.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Spectator ions are the ions that is present in the same form on both sides of a chemical equation (do not change).
For the reaction: Mg(s) + Zn²⁺ + 2NO₃⁻ → Mg²⁺ + 2NO₃⁻ + Zn(s),
- The reactants' side contains two ions : Zn²⁺ and NO₃⁻.
- Also, the product's side also contains two ions : Mg²⁺ and NO₃⁻.
Because the nitrate anions are present on both sides of the equation, they are spectator ions.