Final answer:
The balanced net ionic equation for the reaction between HNO3 and Bi(OH)3 is 3H+ (aq) + Bi(OH)3(s) → Bi3+ (aq) + 3H2O(l), with NO3- being a spectator ion and not included in the net equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the student's question: Given the reaction HNO₃(aq)+Bi(OH)₃(s), what is the balanced net ionic equation? we first consider that nitric acid (HNO₃) dissociates into H⁺ (aq) and NO₃⁻ (aq) in aqueous solution. Bismuth hydroxide (Bi(OH)₃) is a solid and doesn't dissociate. In a net ionic equation, we include only the ions and compounds that undergo a chemical change. Since NO₃⁻ is a spectator ion and does not participate in the reaction, we omit it from the net ionic equation.
The correct net ionic equation is:
3H⁺ (aq) + Bi(OH)₃(s) → Bi³⁺(aq) + 3H₂O(l)
This equation shows that 3 protons from the acid react with the solid bismuth hydroxide to form bismuth ions in solution and water. It's important to note that in a solid state, compounds are not written with their ionic charges as they do not exist as separate ions.