Final answer:
The balanced net ionic equation for the reaction between BaCl₂ and ZnSO₄ is Ba2+(aq) + SO₄2-(aq) → BaSO₄(s), as barium sulfate is an insoluble salt that precipitates out of solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
When mixing BaCl₂ (barium chloride) and ZnSO₄ (zinc sulfate) in an aqueous solution, we look to expect a double displacement reaction where the anions and cations switch partners. However, because both potential products (BaSO₄ and ZnCl₂) are soluble in water, no reaction would occur that results in a precipitate. Upon consulting solubility rules, we find that barium sulfate is insoluble while zinc chloride is soluble. Thus, a precipitate of barium sulfate would form, rendering the expected products to be BaSO₄(s) and ZnCl₂(aq).
The balanced net ionic equation for the reaction between BaCl₂ and ZnSO₄, considering that BaSO₄ precipitates is:
Ba2+(aq) + SO₄2-(aq) → BaSO₄(s)
All other ions (Zn2+ and Cl-) are spectators and do not participate in the net ionic equation.