Final answer:
The spectator ions when aqueous solutions of K₂S and Fe(NO₃)₂ are mixed are K⁺ (potassium ions) and NO₃⁻ (nitrate ions), as they remain unchanged in solution and do not participate in the actual chemical reaction that may produce a precipitate. The correct answer is c. K⁺ and NO₃⁻.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction between aqueous solutions of K₂S and Fe(NO₃)₂ involves the potential formation of a precipitate as the sulfide (S²⁻) can potentially react with the iron (Fe²⁻) ions.
After the reaction, the ions that appear unchanged on both sides of the reaction equation are considered spectator ions. These ions do not participate in the actual chemical reaction are therefore not included in the net ionic equation.
For this particular reaction, the net ionic equation would show the formation of a precipitate (if any), and by not including the spectator ions we can focus on the actual chemical change.
From the information given, it is evident that the spectator ions would be K⁺ and NO₃⁻, as they do not form a precipitate and remain in solution. Thus, the correct answer to the question regarding the spectator ions when aqueous solutions of K₂S and Fe(NO₃)₂ are mixed is c. K⁺ and NO₃⁻.