Complete ionic equations/ predicting products of precipitation

molecular equation

shows the chemical formulas of all reactants and products but doesn’t expressly indicate their ionic nature

complete ionic equations

used to describe the chemical reaction while also clearly indicating which of the reactants and/or products exist primarily as ions in aqueous solution

aqueous

dissolved in water

insoluble

doesn’t dissolve in water

to write the complete ionic equation

1. start with a

balanced molecular equation

to write the complete ionic equation

2. break all soluble-

strong electrolytes (compounds with (aq) beside them into their ions

break all soluble strong elctrolytes (compounds with (aq) beside them) into their ions

indicate the correct-

formula and charge of each ion

Indicate the correct number of

each ion

Write (aq)

After each ion

To write the complete ionic equation:

3. Bring down all

compounds with (s), (l), or (g) unchanged

Spectator ions

Ions that don’t participate in the reaction and are usually not shown in a net ionic equation

You can recognize spectator ions by

Looking for ions that are present on both sides of the equation

Spectator ions have the exact same

Formula, charge, and physical state

Spectator ions will also be present

In exactly the same number on both sides of the equation

Precipitation reactions occur when

2 aqueous solutions are mixed and an insoluble solid is formed

To determine if a precipitate is formed

#1

Write a formula

To determine if a precipitate is formed

#2 determine the

Physical state of the products by using the solubility table

To determine if a precipitate is formed

#3 if products are both aqueous

No reaction