If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

AP®︎/College Chemistry

Course: ap®︎/college chemistry   >   unit 4, molecular, complete ionic, and net ionic equations.

  • Net ionic equations

Want to join the conversation?

  • Upvote Button navigates to signup page
  • Downvote Button navigates to signup page
  • Flag Button navigates to signup page

Great Answer

Video transcript

net ionic equations assignment

How to Write Net Ionic Equations

net ionic equations

Core Concepts

In this tutorial, you will learn how to write net ionic equations . In addition, you will learn how they are useful for understanding which ions in the solution are active in a reaction and which are spectator ions.

Topics Covered in Other Articles

  • Balancing Chemical Equations
  • List of Common Polyatomic Ions
  • Formal Charge
  • Cations & Anions
  • Complete ionic equation: a molecular equation that separates the molecules into their ion forms.
  • Net ionic equation: a molecular equation that depicts the ions or molecules that experience a change within a reaction.
  • Spectator ion: ions in a reaction that do not undergo any change.
  • Aqueous solution: a solution in which the solvent is water.

What is a net ionic equation?

The definition of a net ionic equation is an equation that depicts only the molecules or ions that are actively involved in the reaction or those that undergo a change. In this equation, the spectator ions are not present.

Why do we use net ionic equations?

As described above, we use net ionic equations to emphasize the molecules that undergo a change in the reaction. It makes it easy to see the active molecules in a reaction, since they are the only ones present in the equation!

Writing net ionic equations

The first step to writing a net ionic equation is balancing the chemical equation present. Let’s use the reaction between sodium chloride and silver nitrate as an example.

net ionic equation example

Next, we write the chemical equation as a complete ionic equation . This means that we separate each molecule into its ion form. (Note that only aqueous compounds can be separated.) If the compound is a solid or liquid, it must stay in its molecule form. The complete ionic equation for the reaction above would be as follows:

balancing net ionic equations

Finally, we can use the complete ionic equation to write the net ionic equation. First, we identify the spectator ions. When looking at the complete ionic equation, the spectator ions will have the same charge and state of matter in the reactants and products. In this reaction, the sodium ion and the nitrate ion do not change. As a result, these are considered spectator ions. In order to write the net ionic equation, we simply need to remove the spectator ions.

how to write net ionic equations

After removing the spectator ions, we are left with the net ionic equation!

net ionic equation work

We can repeat this process for any reaction and obtain the net ionic equation.

Net ionic equation examples

Here are some examples of other chemical reactions and what their net ionic equation looks like.

Example 1: Complete ionic equation:

reaction to net ionic reaction

Net ionic equation:

net ionic reaction

Example 2: Complete ionic equation:

how to write net ionic equation

Example 3: Complete ionic equation:

what is net ionic equation

Awesome Home Experiment

To understand a net ionic equation even better, you can perform this fun, safe and simple home chemistry experiment. And you probably have everything you need! Watch the video, and please subscribe to our YouTube channel – lots more amazing videos are on the way!

The net equation for the reaction in the video is Mg +2 + CO 3 -2 -> MgCO 3 (s)

Further reading

  • Redox Reactions
  • Balancing Redox Reactions
  • Making Copper Powder From Aluminum Foil

Library homepage

  • school Campus Bookshelves
  • menu_book Bookshelves
  • perm_media Learning Objects
  • login Login
  • how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
  • hub Instructor Commons
  • Download Page (PDF)
  • Download Full Book (PDF)
  • Periodic Table
  • Physics Constants
  • Scientific Calculator
  • Reference & Cite
  • Tools expand_more
  • Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

Chemistry LibreTexts

Net Ionic Equations

  • Last updated
  • Save as PDF
  • Page ID 150648

INTRODUCTION

In this experiment, you will be learning about what net ionic equations are and how they are going to be useful in understanding the chemistry that occurs during qualitative analysis. You will perform some exercises that involve net ionic equations in this lab. Also, you will be introduced to the concept of solubility of ionic compounds as well as the behavior of bench chemicals in water.

Solubility Rules

1. All alkali metal ( Group 1A ) compounds are soluble .

2. All ammonium ( NH + 4) compounds are soluble .

3. All compounds containing nitrate ( NO 3 – ), chlorate ( ClO 3 – ), and perchlorate ( ClO 4 – ) are soluble .

4. Most hydroxides ( OH – ) are insoluble . The exceptions are the alkali metal hydroxides and barium hydroxide [ Ba(OH) 2 ], which is slightly soluble .

5. Most compounds containing chlorides ( Cl – ), bromides ( Br – ), or iodides ( I – ) are soluble . The exceptions are those containing Ag + , Hg 2 2+ , and Pb 2+ .

6. All carbonates ( CO 3 2– ), oxalates ( C 2 O 4 2– ), and phosphates ( PO 4 3– ), are insoluble ; the exceptions are those of alkali metals and the ammonium ion .

7. All sulfides ( S 2– ) are insoluble except those of the alkali metals (Group 1A), alkaline earth metals ( Group 2A) and ammonium ion ( NH 4 + ). NOTE: In the presence of a basic solution of S 2– , Al 3+ and Cr 3+ form Al(OH) 3M ( s ) and Cr(OH) 3 ( s ), respectively. Fe 3+ in a basic solution of S 2– is reduced to FeS( s ).

8. Most sulfates ( SO 4 2– ) are soluble . Calcium sulfate ( CaSO 4 ) and silver sulfate ( Ag 2 SO 4 ) are slightly soluble . Barium sulfate ( BaSO 4 ), mercury(II) sulfate ( HgSO 4 ), and lead sulfate ( PbSO 4 ) are insoluble .

Helpful Links

Read through your manual for a guided example in Net Ionic Equation experiment section.

Here are some links to useful websites where you can learn and practice more about writing net ionic equations.

1. Complete Ionic and Net Ionic Equations

2. Multiple Choice Questions - UMASS

3. Multiple Choice Questions 2 - ChemWeb

IMAGES

  1. Net Ionic Equation and Complete Ionic Equation

    net ionic equations assignment

  2. How to Write a Net Ionic Equation: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

    net ionic equations assignment

  3. Net Ionic Equation Worksheets

    net ionic equations assignment

  4. Net Ionic Equations Worksheet

    net ionic equations assignment

  5. How To Do Net Ionic Equations Step By Step

    net ionic equations assignment

  6. Net Ionic Equation Worksheets

    net ionic equations assignment

VIDEO

  1. 2.1

  2. Chem

  3. Complete and Net Ionic Equations

  4. Net ionic equations Part 2

  5. Net Ionic Equations Lesson 6

  6. Net Ionic Equations

COMMENTS

  1. Net ionic equations (practice)

    Net ionic equations. Google Classroom. You might need: Periodic table. Cr A 2 ( SO A 4) A 3 ( a q) + 3 ( NH A 4) A 2 CO A 3 ( a q) → Cr A 2 ( CO A 3) A 3 ( s) + 3 ( NH A 4) A 2 SO A 4 ( a q) Which of the following correctly identifies the spectator ions in the reaction represented above? Choose 1 answer:

  2. 16.18: Net Ionic Equations

    The net ionic equation is the chemical equation that shows only those elements, compounds, and ions that are directly involved in the chemical reaction. An example of writing a net ionic equation is outlined. This page titled 16.18: Net Ionic Equations is shared under a CK-12 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by CK-12 Foundation ...

  3. PDF Practice Problems on Net Ionic Equations

    PRACTICE PROBLEMS ON NET IONIC EQUATIONS page 1 of 3 Show the complete ionic and net ionic forms of the following equations. If all species are spectator ions, please indicate that no reaction takes place. Note: you need to make sure the original equation is balanced before proceeding! A set of solubility rules are given at the end of this ...

  4. Net Ionic Equation ( Read )

    The spectator ions are K + and Cl − and can be eliminated. Net ionic equation: 3Cu2 + (aq) + 2PO3 − 4 (aq) → Cu3(PO4)2(s) Step 3: Think about your result. For a precipitation reaction, the net ionic equation always shows the two ions that come together to form the precipitate. The equation is balanced by mass and charge.

  5. 4.5: Writing Net Ionic Equations

    Write a net ionic equation to describe the reaction that occurs when 0.100 M K 3 PO 4 solution is mixed with 0.100 M Ca (NO 3) 2 solution. Step 1: The species that are present are: Step 2: There are two possible combinations of ions here: K + + NO 3- (forming KNO 3) and Ca 2+ + PO 43- (forming Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 ).

  6. 7.17: Net Ionic Equations

    Solution. Step 1: Plan the problem. Write and balance the molecular equation first, making sure that all formulas are correct. Then write the ionic equation, showing all aqueous substances as ions. Carry through any coefficients. Finally, eliminate spectator ions and write the net ionic equation. Step 2: Solve. Molecular equation:

  7. Neutralization Reaction and Net Ionic Equations

    Here is the balanced molecular equation. HCl ( a q) + NaOH ( a q) → NaCl ( a q) + H 2 O ( l) Chemical reactions occurring in aqueous solution are more accurately represented with a net ionic equation. The full ionic equation for the neutralization of hydrochloric acid by sodium hydroxide is written as follows: H + ( a q) + Cl − ( a q) + Na ...

  8. Molecular, complete ionic, and net ionic equations

    In the molecular equation for a reaction, all of the reactants and products are represented as neutral molecules (even soluble ionic compounds and strong acids). In the complete ionic equation, soluble ionic compounds and strong acids are rewritten as dissociated ions. In the net ionic equation, any ions that do not participate in the reaction ...

  9. How to Write Net Ionic Equations

    Writing net ionic equations. The first step to writing a net ionic equation is balancing the chemical equation present. Let's use the reaction between sodium chloride and silver nitrate as an example. Next, we write the chemical equation as a complete ionic equation. This means that we separate each molecule into its ion form.

  10. PDF How to write a net ionic equation

    To complete this lab assignment, write the molecular, ionic and net ionic equation for each reaction showing the correct phase and charge for each reactant and product in your lab book. Include all charges, phases, and coefficients for each reaction when appropriate. Clearly label the type of reaction. 3.

  11. Net Ionic Equation Calculator

    The balanced equation will be calculated along with the solubility states, complete ionic equation, net ionic equation, spectator ions and precipitates. Use uppercase for the first character in the element and lowercase for the second character. Examples: Fe, Au, Co, Br, C, O, N, F.

  12. Net Ionic Equations Lab

    Use the video to complete your "Lab Assessment - Net Ionic Equations" assignment (link below):https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sHjKMsbgk0dXWqaVPZjQTA4O3c9NtU...

  13. Assignment #2 Chapter 5 Net Ionic Equations

    a. Write the ionic equation for the reaction: b. Write the net ionic reaction equation for the reaction: 3. Aqueous solutions of ammonium carbonate and calcium bromide are combined. Calcium carbonate is formed as a precipitate. a. Write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction: b. Write the ionic reaction equation for the reaction: c ...

  14. Solved Study Assignment: Net Ionic Equations 17−11 Write

    Study Assignment: Net Ionic Equations 17 − 11 Write balanced complete formula, total ionic and net ionic equations for the reactions which occur when the following substances are mixed. All are in aqueous solutions except as noted. 1. Complete Formula Bquation: magnesium chloride and sodium carbonate Total Jonic Equation: Net Ionic Equation: 2.

  15. 4.4: Ionic Equations

    Exercise 4.4.1. Write the complete ionic equation for. CaCl 2(aq) + Pb(NO 3) 2(aq) → Ca(NO 3) 2(aq) + PbCl 2(s) You may notice that in a complete ionic equation, some ions do not change their chemical form; they stay exactly the same on the reactant and product sides of the equation. For example, in.

  16. Neutralization Reactions Assignment and Quiz

    Quiz yourself with questions and answers for Neutralization Reactions Assignment and Quiz, so you can be ready for test day. ... What is the net ionic equation for the reaction that is represented by the following total ionic equation? 6Na+ + 2PO34- + 3Ca2+ 6Cl- -> 6Na+ + 6Cl- + Ca3(PO4)2. ba2+ + co23- -> Baco3.

  17. Net Ionic Equations

    2. All ammonium ( NH+ 4) compounds are soluble. 3. All compounds containing nitrate ( NO3 - ), chlorate ( ClO3 - ), and perchlorate ( ClO4 - ) are soluble. 4. Most hydroxides ( OH- ) are insoluble. The exceptions are the alkali metal hydroxides and barium hydroxide [ Ba (OH)2 ], which is slightly soluble. 5.

  18. Solved C. Net Ionic Equations-A Study Assignment 1. Strong

    7. Balance the following precipitation reactions. Write the total ionic and net ionic equations. (a) CuCl 2 (a q) + K 2 CO 3 (a q) → CuCO 3 (s) + KCl (a q) total ionic: net ionic: (b) CuCl 2 (a q) + Na 2 S (a q) → CuS (s) + NaCl (a q) total ionic: net ionic: (c) CuCl 2 (a q) + NH 4 OH (a q) → Cu (OH) 2 (s) + NH 4 Cl (a q) total ionic: net ...

  19. Solved Q3. On a separate piece of paper, write balanced net

    Q3. On a separate piece of paper, write balanced net ionic equations between the following pairs of chemical reagents. Include the states of all components (e.g. (aq) if aqueous, (s) if solid) and the expected final colour of the solution or precipitate, if any. Take a picture of your work and submit it as part of your assignment submission.

  20. Solved CHEMISTRY 2A Study Assignment 14, Net Ionic Equations

    Question: CHEMISTRY 2A Study Assignment 14, Net Ionic Equations When sodium hydroxide solution is mixed with hydrochloric acid, the following reaction occurs: NaOH+ HCI HO+NaCI. This equation is called a molecular equation because it depicts all the reactants and products as neutral molecules. This type of equation is fine for balancing and stoichiometry, but it does