Final answer:
In the reaction Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + 2NaCl(aq) → 2NaNO3(aq) + PbCl2(s), the spectator ions are Na+ and NO3- since they do not participate in the chemical reaction and appear unchanged in both the reactants and the products.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the chemical reaction between lead nitrate and sodium chloride, we can identify spectator ions by comparing the ions present before and after the reaction occurs.
A spectator ion is an ion that exists in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of a chemical equation.
Initially, we have:
- Pb2+ (aq)
- NO3- (aq)
- Na+ (aq)
- Cl- (aq)
When Pb(NO3)2 (aq) reacts with NaCl (aq), it produces PbCl2 (s) and NaNO3 (aq). After the reaction:
- Pb2+ from Pb(NO3)2 combines with Cl- to form PbCl2 (s)
- Na+ (aq) and NO3- (aq) ions are unchanged and remain in solution
Thus, the Na+ and NO3- ions are spectator ions as they do not participate in the formation of the precipitate.
The net ionic equation, which excludes these spectator ions, is:
Pb2+ (aq) + 2Cl- (aq) → PbCl2 (s)