Molecular, Complete and Net Ionic Equations

Front

What is a molecular equation?

Back

A molecular equation shows the complete chemical formulas of reactants and products without indicating the ionic nature of the compounds.

Front

What is a complete ionic equation?

Back

A complete ionic equation shows all of the ions present in a solution, including spectator ions.

Front

What is a net ionic equation?

Back

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

Front

Define spectator ions.

Back

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

Front

How do you identify spectator ions in a reaction?

Back

Spectator ions can be identified by comparing the complete ionic equation to the net ionic equation; they are the ions that appear on both sides.

Front

What is the role of water in ionic reactions?

Back

Water often acts as a solvent in ionic reactions, allowing ions to dissociate and interact.

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.

Front

What does (aq) signify in a chemical equation?

Back

(aq) indicates that a substance is dissolved in water, forming an aqueous solution.

Front

What does (s) signify in a chemical equation?

Back

(s) indicates that a substance is in solid form, often as a precipitate in a reaction.

Front

What is the difference between strong and weak electrolytes?

Back

Strong electrolytes completely dissociate into ions in solution, while weak electrolytes partially dissociate.