Total and Net Ionic Equations

Front

What is a total ionic equation?

Back

A total ionic equation shows all the ions present in a reaction, including spectator ions, in their aqueous form.

Front

What is a net ionic equation?

Back

A net ionic equation shows only the ions and molecules that participate in a reaction, omitting spectator ions.

Front

What are spectator ions?

Back

Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in the actual chemical reaction and remain unchanged in solution.

Front

How do you identify spectator ions in a reaction?

Back

Spectator ions can be identified by comparing the total ionic equation with the net ionic equation; they are the ions that appear in both.

Front

What is a precipitate?

Back

A precipitate is a solid that forms and settles out of a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction.

Front

What conditions lead to the formation of a precipitate?

Back

A precipitate forms when the product of the reaction is insoluble in the solvent, typically water.

Front

What is the solubility rule for nitrates?

Back

All nitrates (NO3-) are soluble in water.

Front

What is the solubility rule for chlorides?

Back

Most chlorides are soluble in water, except for those of silver (Ag+), lead (Pb2+), and mercury (Hg2+).

Front

What is the solubility rule for sulfates?

Back

Most sulfates are soluble in water, except for those of barium (Ba2+), lead (Pb2+), and calcium (Ca2+).

Front

What is the significance of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.