Ionic Equations

Question 1

How to write an ionic equation?

Answer 1

1) Write balanced equation
2) Split up compounds into ions
3) Cross out spectator ions
4) Re-write equation without spectator ions
You are left with a net ionic equation

Question 2

What is a spectator ion?

Answer 2

Ion(s) that stay the same on both sides of the equation

Question 3

Which ions are soluble?

Answer 3

• Common salts of sodium, potassium and ammonium
• Nitrates
• Common chlorides (not silver chloride and lead chloride)
• Common sulfates (not lead, barium and calcium sulfate)
• Sodium, potassium and ammonium carbonates/hydroxides

Question 4

Which ions are insoluble?

Answer 4

Common carbonates and hydroxides (except sodium, potassium and ammonium ones)