Final answer:
To write balanced molecular and net ionic equations for precipitation reactions, identify the products and their states, and then balance the equations by mass and charge, focusing only on the precipitate formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write balanced molecular and net ionic equations for precipitation reactions, first identify the products formed when the reactants are mixed, including their states (solids, liquids, gases, and aqueous solutions). Only species that undergo a physical change or a chemical reaction are included in the net ionic equations. Precipitates are indicated as solids (s).
Let's consider a general reaction: AB(aq) + CD(aq) → AD(s) + CB(aq). Here, AB and CD are aqueous ionic compounds, and AD is the precipitate formed. The net ionic equation will highlight the formation of the precipitate:
A+(aq) + D-(aq) → AD(s)
It is balanced by ensuring there are equal numbers of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation and that the total charge is the same on both sides.