Write a net ionic equation for
Hg(C2H3O2)2 + NaI
Hg^+2(aq) + 2I^-(aq) ==> HgI2(s)
To write a net ionic equation, first turn the given reactants into their respective ions. Then, determine which ions will form products and write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction. Finally, write the net ionic equation by canceling out the spectator ions.
1. Start by writing the chemical formula for each reactant:
Hg(C2H3O2)2 (Mercury(II) acetate)
NaI (Sodium iodide)
2. Split each compound into its component ions:
Hg(C2H3O2)2 will dissociate into:
Hg2+ (Mercury(II) ion)
2C2H3O2- (Acetate ions)
NaI will dissociate into:
Na+ (Sodium ion)
I- (Iodide ion)
3. Now, determine the products that will form when the ions combine:
Hg2+ will combine with I- to form:
HgI2 (Mercury(II) iodide)
4. Write the balanced chemical equation:
Hg(C2H3O2)2 + 2NaI → HgI2 + 2NaC2H3O2
5. Lastly, write the net ionic equation by removing the spectator ions (ions that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction):
The spectator ions are 2Na+ and 2C2H3O2-, which cancel out on both sides of the equation.
Net ionic equation:
Hg2+ + 2I- → HgI2