Net Ionic Equations

Net-ionic Equations Net ionic equations are useful in that they

show only those chemical species directly participating in a chemical reaction

The keys to being able to write net ionic equations are the ability to recognize monatomic and polyatomic ions, the solubility rules, and the rules for electrolyte behavior.

Net ionic equations Complete ionic equations

An ionic equation that shows all of the particles in a solution as they realistically exist

2 Na+ (aq) + 2OH- (aq) + Cu+2 (aq) + 2Cl- (aq)

2 Na + (aq) + 2 Cl- (aq) + Cu(OH)2 (s)

Note that the sodium ions and the chloride ions are both reactants and products, therefore they do not participate in the reaction Ions that do not participate in the reaction are called

spectator ions

Net-ionic Equations Ionic equations that include only the particles

that participate in the reaction are called net ionic equations

Net ionic equations are written form complete ionic equations by crossing out all spectator ions

Example: 2 Na+ (aq) + 2OH- (aq) + Cu+2 (aq) + 2Cl- (aq)

2 Na + (aq) + 2 Cl- (aq) + Cu(OH)2 (s)

Net-ionic Equations A net ionic equation is what remains after the

sodium and chloride ions are crossed out of this complete ionic equation

2OH- (aq) + Cu +2 (aq) Cu(OH)2

Only the hydroxide and copper ions are left in the net ionic equation shown above

Example: Write the chemical, complete ionic, and net

ionic equations for the rxn between aqueous solutions of barium nitrate and sodium carbonate that forms the precipitate barium carbonate.

Complete Ionic Equation: Ba(NO3)2 (aq) + Na2CO3 (aq) BaCO3 (s) + NaNO3

(aq)

Balance the equation above: Ba(NO3)2(aq) + Na2CO3 (aq) + BaCO3 (s) + 2

NaNO3 (aq)

Example continued: Show the ionic states of the reactants and

products Ba+2 (aq) + 2NO3

- (aq) + 2Na+ + CO3-2 (aq)

BaCO3 (s) + 2 Na+ (aq) + 2NO3-

(aq)

Cross out the spectator ions from the complete ionic equation: Ba+2 (aq) + 2NO3

- (aq) + 2Na+ + CO3-2 (aq)

BaCO3 (s) + 2 Na+ (aq) + 2NO3-

(aq)

Example continued: The net ionic equation is:

Ba+2 (aq) + CO3-2 (aq) BaCO3 (s)

Practice Work on problems 33-36 on pg. 294 of your

chemistry book