Final answer:
To find the net ionic equation, write and balance the molecular equation, write the ionic equation with ions, and eliminate spectator ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the net ionic equation of a chemical equation, you need to first write and balance the molecular equation. Then, write the ionic equation by showing all aqueous substances as ions. Carry through any coefficients. Finally, eliminate spectator ions and write the net ionic equation.
For example, let's consider the neutralization of a strong acid with an ionic hydroxide. When a strong acid like HCl is dissolved in water, it ionizes into H+ and Cl-. Similarly, an ionic hydroxide like NaOH will dissociate into Na+ and OH-. The net ionic equation for the neutralization reaction would be:
H+ + OH- → H2O