In the following total ionic equation which ions are spectator ions?
2 Na+ (aq) + 2 Cl−(aq) + Pb2+(aq) + 2 NO3−(aq) �¨ PbCl2 (s) + 2 Na+ (aq) + 2NO3− (aq)
I think the answer is all of them because I DO NOT see any that cancel from one side to the other?
To determine the spectator ions in a chemical equation, you need to compare the ions on both sides of the equation and see if any cancel out or remain unchanged. In this case, let's identify the ions present on both sides:
- On the left side, we have 2 Na+ ions and 2 Cl− ions.
- On the right side, we also have 2 Na+ ions and 2 Cl− ions.
In this equation, the sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl−) are the spectator ions. They are present on both sides and do not undergo any chemical change. While the lead ion (Pb2+) and nitrate ions (NO3−) do participate in the reaction, the sodium and chloride ions remain unchanged and only serve to balance the charge.
So, in summary, the spectator ions in the given chemical equation are Na+ and Cl−.