Final answer:
The balanced net ionic equation for the precipitation of CaCO3 when aqueous solutions of Li2CO3 and CaCl2 are mixed is Ca2+(aq) + CO32-(aq) → CaCO3(s). This equation represents the formation of solid calcium carbonate from calcium ions and carbonate ions in solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Predicting and Writing Net Ionic Equations for Precipitation Reactions
To predict and write the balanced net ionic equation for the precipitation of CaCO3 when aqueous solutions of Li2CO3 and CaCl2 are mixed, we should first recall that lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) is soluble in water, as are all lithium compounds, and the fact that CaCO3 is generally insoluble except when combined with potassium, sodium, or ammonium. Thus, when these solutions are mixed, CaCO3 will precipitate.
First, write the full molecular equation:
Li2CO3(aq) + CaCl2(aq) → CaCO3(s) + 2LiCl(aq)
Now, represent all strong electrolytes as ions (this is only for those compounds that dissolve completely):
2Li+(aq) + CO32-(aq) + Ca2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) → CaCO3(s) + 2Li+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq)
Cross out the spectator ions that do not participate in the reaction to yield the net ionic equation:
Ca2+(aq) + CO32-(aq) → CaCO3(s)
This equation must be balanced in terms of both mass and charge. The resulting equation shows that calcium ions from the CaCl2 solution combine with carbonate ions from the Li2CO3 solution to form solid calcium carbonate, which precipitates from the solution.