Answer
The balanced complete ionic equation is:
Mg²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) → Mg(OH)₂(s) + 2Na⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)
The net ionic equation is:
Mg²⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) → Mg(OH)₂(s)
Step-by-step explanation
When aqueous NaOH and MgSO4 are combined, solid Mg(OH)2 and aqueous Na2SO4.
The balanced complete molecular equation for the precipitation reaction is:
MgSO₄(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Mg(OH)₂(s) + Na₂SO₄(aq)
The balanced complete ionic equation for the precipitation reaction is:
Mg²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) → Mg(OH)₂(s) + 2Na⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)
The spectator ions are SO₄²⁻(aq) and Na⁺(aq). Therefore, condensing the complete ionic equation will result in a net ionic equation given below:
Mg²⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) → Mg(OH)₂(s)