Spectator ions Flashcards
What is a spectator ion?
Spectator ions are ions that remain unchanged in a chemical reaction. They can be identified in a balanced equation as they appear at the left hand side of the equation then again at the right hand side unchanged.
What should you always right after being asked to state the spectator ion in a reaction?
If you are asked to state the spectator ion in a reaction, always remember to write the word ion after each name. If you write the formula for the spectator ion you must remember to write the correct charge on the ion.
How can you identify the overall reaction taking place from an equation?
To identify the overall reaction taking place just remove the spectator ion from the equation. This represents the overall reaction for any acid reacting with an alkali.
