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How to find the net ionic of an equation

How to find the net ionic of an equation-example-1
User Tanveer Ahmad Dar
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2 Answers

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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

User Crdavis
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Net ionic equation can be written from complete ionic equation by canceling the spectators ion from complete ionic equation.
For example:
Balanced Chemical equation:
HClO₂(aq) + NaOH(aq) → H₂O(l) + NaClO₂ (aq)
Ionic equation:
H⁺(aq) + ClO₂⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l) + Na⁺(aq) + ClO₂⁻ (aq)
Net ionic equation:
H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l)
The ClO₂⁻(aq) and Na⁺ (aq) are spectator ions that's why these are not written in net ionic equation. The water can not be splitted into ions because it is present in liquid form.
Spectator ions:
These ions are same in both side of chemical reaction. These ions are cancel out. Their presence can not effect the equilibrium of reaction that's why these ions are omitted in net ionic equation.
User Wajid
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