Question

Identify the spectator ions in this reaction: 2 Na+(aq) + 2 Cl- (aq) + Pb₂+(aq) + 2 NO₃- (aq) 2 Na+(aq) + PbCl₂(s) + 2 NO₃-(aq)

a) Na+ and Cl-
b) Pb₂+ and Cl-
c) Na+ and NO₃-
d) Cl- and NO₃-

Answer 1

The spectator ions in the reaction are Na+ and NO3-, as they appear in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. Pb2+ and Cl- are not spectator ions as they form a solid PbCl2.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify the spectator ions in the given reaction, we first need to understand what a spectator ion is. A spectator ion is an ion that exists in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of a chemical equation. It does not participate in the chemical reaction itself.

Looking at the full reaction, Pb(NO3)₂(aq) + 2 NaCl(aq) → 2 NaNO3(aq) + PbCl₂ (s), we can see that the Na+ ions and the NO₃- ions are present as reactants and products in aqueous form, and do not change during the reaction. Therefore, they are the spectator ions.

The Pb²+ ion and Cl- ion combine to form PbCl₂, a solid, which means they are not spectator ions as they undergo a chemical change.

We can thus conclude that the correct answer is Na+ and NO₃- are the spectator ions, making option c) the correct answer.