Final answer:
The student is seeking the net ionic equation for the reaction between Na₂CO₃ and AgNO₃, which results in Ag₂CO₃ as a precipitate. The net ionic equation is CO₃²⁻(aq) + 2 Ag⁺(aq) → Ag₂CO₃(s).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking for the net ionic equation for the reaction between sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃).
This type of reaction is known as a double-replacement reaction, where the cations and anions of two ionic compounds switch places, forming new compounds. One of these new compounds may be a precipitate, a gas, or a weak electrolyte.
To write the net ionic equation, we need to consider the ions involved in the reaction. The equation will only show the species that undergo a change. Dissociated ions that do not participate directly in the reaction, known as spectator ions, are not included in the net ionic equation.
The reaction between sodium carbonate and silver nitrate yields silver carbonate (Ag₂CO₃), which is insoluble in water and hence precipitates out, and sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), which remains in solution. The net ionic equation for this reaction is:
Na₂CO₃(aq) + 2 AgNO₃(aq) → Ag₂CO₃(s) + 2 NaNO₃(aq)
To balance this net ionic equation, we'll consider only the ions that form the precipitate:
CO₃²⁻(aq) + 2 Ag⁺(aq) → Ag₂CO₃(s)
This is the net ionic equation for the reaction provided. Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ are the spectator ions.