Question

What is the net ionic equation for the reaction between lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂) and sodium chloride (2NaCl)?

A) Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → PbCl₂(s) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)
B) Pb²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → PbCl₂(s)
C) Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → PbCl₂(s) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)
D) Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → Pb(NO₃)₂(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

Answer 1

The correct net ionic equation for the reaction between lead(II) nitrate and sodium chloride is B) Pb²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → PbCl₂(s), where lead chloride precipitates out of the solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net ionic equation for the reaction between lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂) and sodium chloride (2NaCl) is Option B) Pb²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → PbCl₂(s). This equation represents the formation of the insoluble salt lead(II) chloride (PbCl₂) when lead(II) nitrate reacts with sodium chloride in aqueous solution. The spectator ions, which are sodium (Na⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) ions, are not included in the net ionic equation as they do not participate in the formation of the precipitate.