Ionic Equations in Chemistry

Flashcards focused on key concepts related to writing ionic equations in chemistry.

Ionic Equation

An equation that shows only the ions that participate in a chemical reaction.

Spectator Ions

Ions that do not participate in a chemical reaction and can be canceled out in the ionic equation.

Balanced Equation

An equation in which the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

State Symbols

Symbols used to indicate the physical state of substances in a chemical equation: S (solid), L (liquid), G (gas), and AQ (aqueous).

Aqueous Solution

A solution in which the solvent is water, often containing dissolved ions.

Polyatomic Ion

An ion composed of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together and carry a charge.

Valence

The combining capacity of an element, indicative of the charge of its ions.

Chemical Reaction

A process in which substances (reactants) are transformed into different substances (products).