Net Ionic Equations

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AP Chemistry › Net Ionic Equations

Questions 1 - 10
1

Aqueous calcium chloride is mixed with aqueous sodium carbonate, producing a precipitate. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{CaCl_2(aq) + Na_2CO_3(aq) \rightarrow CaCO_3(s) + 2,NaCl(aq)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{CaCl_2(aq) + CO_3^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow CaCO_3(s) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Ca^{2+}(aq) + CO_3^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow CaCO_3(s)}$

$\mathrm{2,Na^{+}(aq) + CO_3^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow Na_2CO_3(s)}$

$\mathrm{Ca^{2+}(aq) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq) + 2,Na^{+}(aq) + CO_3^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow CaCO_3(s) + 2,Na^{+}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Ca^{2+}(aq) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow CaCl_2(s)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for precipitation reactions by identifying participating ions. The molecular equation shows calcium chloride and sodium carbonate forming solid calcium carbonate and aqueous sodium chloride. Ions are Ca²⁺, 2Cl⁻, 2Na⁺, and CO₃²⁻, with Ca²⁺ and CO₃²⁻ producing CaCO₃. Spectators Na⁺ and Cl⁻ are eliminated, leaving Ca²⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq) → CaCO₃(s). A tempting distractor is B, which includes all ions but omits Cl⁻ on the right, incorrectly partially canceling due to miscounting spectators. A transferable strategy is to verify solubility rules to confirm precipitates and ensure only reacting ions remain.

2

Aqueous sodium thiosulfate reacts with aqueous hydrochloric acid to form sulfur dioxide gas and elemental sulfur. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{Na_2S_2O_3(aq) + 2,HCl(aq) \rightarrow 2,NaCl(aq) + SO_2(g) + S(s) + H_2O(l)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{S_2O_3^{2-}(aq) + 2,HCl(aq) \rightarrow SO_2(g) + S(s) + H_2O(l) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{S_2O_3^{2-}(aq) + 2,H^{+}(aq) \rightarrow SO_2(g) + S(s) + H_2O(l)}$

$\mathrm{Na_2S_2O_3(aq) + 2,H^{+}(aq) \rightarrow SO_2(g) + S(s) + H_2O(l) + 2,Na^{+}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{S_2O_3^{2-}(aq) + 2,H^{+}(aq) \rightarrow H_2S_2O_3(aq)}$

$\mathrm{2,Na^{+}(aq) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow 2,NaCl(s)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for reactions producing gases and precipitates. The molecular equation involves sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid forming sulfur dioxide, sulfur, water, and aqueous sodium chloride. Ions include 2Na⁺, S₂O₃²⁻, 2H⁺, and 2Cl⁻, with S₂O₃²⁻ and 2H⁺ reacting to form SO₂, S, and H₂O. Spectators Na⁺ and Cl⁻ are eliminated, resulting in S₂O₃²⁻(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) → SO₂(g) + S(s) + H₂O(l). A tempting distractor is E, which forms H₂S₂O₃, incorrectly assuming a stable acid due to not recognizing decomposition. A transferable strategy is to identify all products and ensure only reacting ions are included.

3

Aqueous silver nitrate is added to aqueous sodium chloride, forming a white precipitate. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{AgNO_3(aq) + NaCl(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s) + NaNO_3(aq)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{Ag^{+}(aq) + NaCl(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s) + Na^{+}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Na^{+}(aq) + NO_3^{-}(aq) \rightarrow NaNO_3(s)}$

$\mathrm{AgNO_3(aq) + Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s) + NO_3^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Ag^{+}(aq) + Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s)}$

$\mathrm{Ag^{+}(aq) + NO_3^{-}(aq) + Na^{+}(aq) + Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s) + Na^{+}(aq) + NO_3^{-}(aq)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for precipitation reactions by eliminating spectator ions. The molecular equation involves silver nitrate and sodium chloride forming solid silver chloride and aqueous sodium nitrate. Dissociating gives Ag⁺, NO₃⁻, Na⁺, and Cl⁻, with Ag⁺ and Cl⁻ forming AgCl precipitate. Spectators Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ are removed, resulting in Ag⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → AgCl(s). A tempting distractor is A, which includes all ions, mistakenly presenting the complete ionic equation due to not canceling spectators. A transferable strategy is to cross out identical ions on both sides of the complete ionic equation to derive the net version.

4

Aqueous zinc nitrate is mixed with aqueous sodium sulfide, producing a precipitate. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{Zn(NO_3)_2(aq) + Na_2S(aq) \rightarrow ZnS(s) + 2,NaNO_3(aq)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{Zn^{2+}(aq) + S^{2-}(aq) + 2,Na^{+}(aq) \rightarrow ZnS(s) + 2,Na^{+}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Zn^{2+}(aq) + 2,NO_3^{-}(aq) \rightarrow Zn(NO_3)_2(s)}$

$\mathrm{Zn^{2+}(aq) + S^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow ZnS(s)}$

$\mathrm{Zn(NO_3)_2(aq) + S^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow ZnS(s) + 2,NO_3^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{2,Na^{+}(aq) + S^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow Na_2S(s)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for precipitation reactions. The molecular equation shows zinc nitrate and sodium sulfide forming solid zinc sulfide and aqueous sodium nitrate. Ions are Zn²⁺, 2NO₃⁻, 2Na⁺, and S²⁻, with Zn²⁺ and S²⁻ forming ZnS. Spectators Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ are removed, yielding Zn²⁺(aq) + S²⁻(aq) → ZnS(s). A tempting distractor is C, which forms Na₂S solid, incorrectly assuming reverse solubility due to misidentifying the precipitate. A transferable strategy is to determine the insoluble product based on reaction observations and rules.

5

Aqueous solutions of acetic acid and sodium hydroxide react. The balanced molecular equation is:

HC2H3O2(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaC2H3O2(aq) + H2O(l)

Which of the following is the correct net ionic equation after dissociation and cancellation (treating acetic acid as a weak acid that remains mostly molecular)?

Na+(aq) + C2H3O2−(aq) → NaC2H3O2(aq)

HC2H3O2(aq) + Na+(aq) + OH−(aq) → NaC2H3O2(aq) + H2O(l)

H+(aq) + OH−(aq) → H2O(l)

HC2H3O2(aq) + NaOH(aq) → Na+(aq) + C2H3O2−(aq) + H2O(l)

HC2H3O2(aq) + OH−(aq) → C2H3O2−(aq) + H2O(l)

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for weak acid-strong base reactions. Acetic acid (HC₂H₃O₂) is a weak acid that remains mostly molecular in solution, while NaOH is a strong base that completely dissociates into Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions. The OH⁻ ion removes a proton from the molecular acetic acid, forming the acetate ion (C₂H₃O₂⁻) and water, while Na⁺ remains as a spectator ion. The net ionic equation is: HC₂H₃O₂(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq) + H₂O(l). Choice B incorrectly shows H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O, demonstrating the misconception that all acid-base reactions have the same net ionic equation, failing to recognize that weak acids remain molecular. Remember that weak acids and bases remain largely molecular in net ionic equations, unlike strong acids and bases which fully dissociate.

6

Aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and sodium chloride are mixed, producing a white precipitate. The balanced molecular equation is:

AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)

Which of the following is the correct net ionic equation?

AgNO3(aq) + Cl−(aq) → AgCl(s) + NO3−(aq)

Ag+(aq) + Cl−(aq) → AgCl(s)

Ag(s) + Cl−(aq) → AgCl(s)

Ag+(aq) + NO3−(aq) + Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)

Ag+(aq) + Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq) → AgCl(s) + Na+(aq)

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for precipitation reactions. AgNO₃ and NaCl are both soluble ionic compounds that dissociate completely in aqueous solution into Ag⁺, NO₃⁻, Na⁺, and Cl⁻ ions. When these ions mix, Ag⁺ and Cl⁻ combine to form the insoluble white precipitate AgCl(s), while Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ remain dissolved as spectator ions. The net ionic equation includes only the ions that form the precipitate: Ag⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → AgCl(s). Choice E incorrectly shows Ag(s) instead of Ag⁺(aq), demonstrating the misconception that metallic silver is present in solution rather than silver ions. Remember that in net ionic equations, only include the ions or molecules that undergo chemical change, and ensure correct charges and phases are shown.

7

Hydrochloric acid reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow NaCl(aq) + H_2O(l)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{HCl(aq) + OH^{-}(aq) \rightarrow Cl^{-}(aq) + H_2O(l)}$

$\mathrm{Na^{+}(aq) + Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow NaCl(aq)}$

$\mathrm{H^{+}(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow Na^{+}(aq) + H_2O(l)}$

$\mathrm{H^{+}(aq) + Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow HCl(aq)}$

$\mathrm{H^{+}(aq) + OH^{-}(aq) \rightarrow H_2O(l)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for acid-base neutralization reactions by focusing on the reacting species. The molecular equation depicts hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide forming water and aqueous sodium chloride. In solution, HCl provides H⁺ and Cl⁻, while NaOH provides Na⁺ and OH⁻, with H⁺ and OH⁻ combining to form H₂O. Spectator ions Na⁺ and Cl⁻ are eliminated, yielding H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l). A tempting distractor is A, which shows Na⁺ + Cl⁻ → NaCl, incorrectly focusing on spectators due to the misconception that salt formation is the key reaction. A transferable strategy is to identify the driving force, such as water formation in neutralizations, and exclude non-reacting ions.

8

Aqueous solutions of barium chloride and sodium sulfate are mixed, producing a white precipitate. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{BaCl_2(aq) + Na_2SO_4(aq) \rightarrow BaSO_4(s) + 2,NaCl(aq)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{Ba^{2+}(aq) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq) \rightarrow BaCl_2(s)}$

$\mathrm{Ba^{2+}(aq) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq) + 2,Na^{+}(aq) + SO_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow BaSO_4(s) + 2,Na^{+}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{2,Na^{+}(aq) + SO_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow Na_2SO_4(s)}$

$\mathrm{BaCl_2(aq) + SO_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow BaSO_4(s) + 2,Cl^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Ba^{2+}(aq) + SO_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow BaSO_4(s)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for precipitation reactions by identifying and removing spectator ions. The molecular equation shows barium chloride and sodium sulfate forming solid barium sulfate and aqueous sodium chloride. Dissociating the reactants yields Ba²⁺, 2Cl⁻, 2Na⁺, and SO₄²⁻ ions, with Ba²⁺ and SO₄²⁻ forming the BaSO₄ precipitate. Spectator ions Na⁺ and Cl⁻ are unchanged and removed, leaving Ba²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → BaSO₄(s). A tempting distractor is A, which includes Cl⁻ on the right, mistakenly keeping spectators due to confusing the complete ionic with the net ionic. A transferable strategy is to always dissociate soluble ionic compounds fully and eliminate ions that do not participate in the reaction.

9

Aqueous sodium fluoride is mixed with aqueous calcium nitrate, producing a precipitate. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{2,NaF(aq) + Ca(NO_3)_2(aq) \rightarrow CaF_2(s) + 2,NaNO_3(aq)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{Ca^{2+}(aq) + 2,F^{-}(aq) + 2,NO_3^{-}(aq) \rightarrow CaF_2(s) + 2,NO_3^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Ca^{2+}(aq) + F^{-}(aq) \rightarrow CaF^{+}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Ca(NO_3)_2(aq) + 2,F^{-}(aq) \rightarrow CaF_2(s) + 2,NO_3^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{2,Na^{+}(aq) + 2,F^{-}(aq) \rightarrow 2,NaF(s)}$

$\mathrm{Ca^{2+}(aq) + 2,F^{-}(aq) \rightarrow CaF_2(s)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for precipitation reactions. The molecular equation involves sodium fluoride and calcium nitrate forming solid calcium fluoride and aqueous sodium nitrate. Ions are 2Na⁺, 2F⁻, Ca²⁺, and 2NO₃⁻, with Ca²⁺ and 2F⁻ forming CaF₂. Spectators Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ are removed, yielding Ca²⁺(aq) + 2F⁻(aq) → CaF₂(s). A tempting distractor is D, which forms CaF⁺, incorrectly using partial charges due to stoichiometric error. A transferable strategy is to confirm precipitate formulas using solubility guidelines.

10

Aqueous magnesium nitrate is mixed with aqueous sodium phosphate, producing a precipitate. The balanced molecular equation is:

$\mathrm{3,Mg(NO_3)_2(aq) + 2,Na_3PO_4(aq) \rightarrow Mg_3(PO_4)_2(s) + 6,NaNO_3(aq)}$

Which is the correct net ionic equation?

$\mathrm{3,Mg(NO_3)_2(aq) + 2,PO_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow Mg_3(PO_4)_2(s) + 6,NO_3^{-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Mg^{2+}(aq) + PO_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow MgPO_4(s)}$

$\mathrm{3,Mg^{2+}(aq) + 2,Na_3PO_4(aq) \rightarrow Mg_3(PO_4)_2(s) + 6,Na^{+}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{6,Na^{+}(aq) + 6,NO_3^{-}(aq) \rightarrow 6,NaNO_3(s)}$

$\mathrm{3,Mg^{2+}(aq) + 2,PO_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow Mg_3(PO_4)_2(s)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of writing net ionic equations for complex precipitation with stoichiometry. The molecular equation involves magnesium nitrate and sodium phosphate forming solid magnesium phosphate and aqueous sodium nitrate. Ions are 3Mg²⁺, 6NO₃⁻, 6Na⁺, and 2PO₄³⁻, with 3Mg²⁺ and 2PO₄³⁻ forming Mg₃(PO₄)₂. Spectators Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ are eliminated, resulting in 3Mg²⁺(aq) + 2PO₄³⁻(aq) → Mg₃(PO₄)₂(s). A tempting distractor is D, which uses 1:1 ratio, incorrectly simplifying stoichiometry due to ignoring compound formula. A transferable strategy is to ensure the net equation matches the balanced molecular stoichiometry.

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