What is the balanced net ionic equation of mixed Co(NO3)2 and Na3PO4 solutions?
Co+(aq) + NO3–(aq) → CoNO3(s)
Co2+(aq) + 2NO3–(aq) → Co(NO3)2(s)
3Co2+(aq) + 2PO43–(aq) → Co3(PO4)2(s)
Co+(aq) + PO43–(aq) → Co3PO4(s)
There are several possible net ionic equations depending on the concentration and pH of the solutions, but one possible balanced net ionic equation is:
Co2+(aq) + 3PO43–(aq) + 6Na+(aq) + 6NO3–(aq) → Co3(PO4)2(s) + 6Na+(aq) + 6NO3–(aq)
In this equation, the spectator ions Na+ and NO3– are omitted from the net ionic equation, since they do not participate in the reaction. The equation shows that Co2+ ions from Co(NO3)2 and PO43– ions from Na3PO4 react to form Co3(PO4)2 precipitate.