Final answer:
The spectator ions in the reaction Ba⁺²(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + CO₃⁻²(aq) → 2Na⁺(aq) + 2 OH⁻(aq) + BaCO₃(s) are Na⁺(aq) and OH⁻(aq).
Step-by-step explanation:
The spectator ions in the given reaction are Na+(aq) and OH-(aq). These ions appear on both sides of the chemical equation and do not participate in the formation of the precipitate, which in this case is BaCO3(s). To identify the spectator ions, compare the reactants and products of the reaction.
Ions that appear unchanged on both sides of the equation are considered spectators. Therefore, by removing the spectator ions Na+(aq) and OH-(aq), the net ionic equation can be expressed as Ba2+(aq) + CO32-(aq) → BaCO3(s).
Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in the chemical reaction and are found in solution both before and after the reaction.
In this equation, Na⁺ and OH⁻ are present on both sides of the reaction and do not undergo any chemical changes. Therefore, they are considered spectator ions and can be removed from the equation to generate the net ionic equation.