Question

Write the net ionic equation for any given precipitation reaction.

Answer 1

The net ionic equation for a precipitation reaction details the ions forming the precipitate, omitting spectator ions. It demonstrates the process of combining soluble ions to create an insoluble solid, all while ensuring the equation is balanced for both mass and charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net ionic equation for a precipitation reaction shows the ions that come together to form the precipitate. One must identify the soluble ions (aqueous) and the insoluble compound (solid) in the reaction. For example, when barium nitrate reacts with sodium phosphate to form barium phosphate and sodium nitrate, the net ionic equation would be as follows:

• Write the balanced molecular equation:
  3Ba(NO3)2(aq) + 2Na3PO4(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s) + 6NaNO3(aq)
• Write the complete ionic equation:
  3Ba2+(aq) + 6NO3−(aq) + 6Na+(aq) + 2PO43−(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s) + 6Na+(aq) + 6NO3−(aq)
• Cancel out the spectator ions (ions that remain unchanged on both sides of the equation):
  The remaining ions form the precipitate:
• Write the net ionic equation:
  3Ba2+(aq) + 2PO43−(aq) → Ba3(PO4)2(s)