Question

The following chemical reaction takes place in aqueous solution:

AgNO3(aq) + NH4Br(aq) -> AgBr(s) + NH4NO3(aq)
Write the net ionic equation for this reaction.
A. AgNO3(aq) + NH4Br(aq) -> AgBr(s) + NH4NO3(aq)
B. Ag+(aq) + Br-(aq) -> AgBr(s)
C. Ag+(aq) + NO3-(aq) + NH4+(aq) + Br-(aq) -> AgBr(s) + NH4+(aq) + NO3-(aq)
D. Ag+(aq) + NH4+(aq) + Br-(aq) -> AgBr(s) + NH4+(aq)

Answer 1

The balanced net ionic equation for the reaction between AgNO3(aq) and NH4Br(aq) is Ag+(aq) + Br-(aq) → AgBr(s), where AgBr is the precipitate formed. Option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves writing a net ionic equation for a reaction that occurs in aqueous solution. To achieve this, we must first identify the ions that participate in the formation of the precipitate, as opposed to the spectator ions that do not change during the course of the reaction. The reaction given is AgNO3(aq) + NH4Br(aq) → AgBr(s) + NH4NO3(aq). In the complete ionic equation, Ag+ and Br− come together to form AgBr, a solid precipitate, which is the driving force of the reaction. Therefore, the balanced net ionic equation is option B: Ag+(aq) + Br−(aq) → AgBr(s). The ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) ions are spectator ions and do not participate in the net ionic equation.