What is the net equation for this formula?
Fe(NO3)3 (aq) + 3KOH (aq) = Fe(OH)3 (s) + 3KNO3 (aq)
To write the net ionic equation, we need to eliminate any spectator ions; these are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this reaction, the spectator ions are K+ and NO3- because they appear on both sides of the equation.
The net ionic equation for this reaction is:
Fe3+ (aq) + 3OH- (aq) = Fe(OH)3 (s)
Here, Fe3+ from Fe(NO3)3 reacts with OH- from KOH to form Fe(OH)3 (s) while K+ and NO3- ions remain unchanged.
To determine the net equation for this reaction, we need to cancel out the spectator ions. Spectator ions are the ions that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the chemical reaction itself.
In this reaction, the spectator ions are the nitrate ions (NO3-) and the potassium ions (K+). They appear on both sides of the equation and do not undergo any change.
The remaining ions that participate in the reaction are the iron ions (Fe3+) and the hydroxide ions (OH-).
So, the net ionic equation for this reaction would be:
Fe3+(aq) + 3OH-(aq) = Fe(OH)3(s)
This equation represents the essential reaction that takes place, where iron ions react with hydroxide ions to form solid iron(III) hydroxide.
Please note that the original equation provided is a balanced equation, but the net ionic equation focuses specifically on the elements and ions that are directly involved in the reaction, while canceling out the spectator ions.