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What is the net ionic equation for the reaction between copper(II) chloride and aluminum?

User EdgarK
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Final answer:

The net ionic equation for the reaction between copper(II) chloride and aluminum is 3 Cu2+ (aq) + 2 Al (s) → 2 Al3+ (aq) + 3 Cu (s), showing the redox reaction between aluminum and copper ions without the spectator chloride ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The net ionic equation for the reaction between copper(II) chloride and aluminum involves the transfer of electrons from aluminum to the copper ions in solution. When solid aluminum metal reacts with copper(II) chloride solution, aluminum gets oxidized to aluminum ions, while copper(II) ions get reduced to solid copper. Since chloride ions don't participate in the reaction, they are considered spectator ions and are omitted from the net ionic equation.

Net Ionic Equation:

3 Cu2+ (aq) + 2 Al (s) → 2 Al3+ (aq) + 3 Cu (s)

This equation represents the oxidation of aluminum metal to aluminum ions, and the reduction of copper ions to solid copper, without showing the chloride ions that do not undergo any change during the reaction.

User Ashwani
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