Chemistry / Unit 3 Chem 0431 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Net Ionic Equations and Spectator Ions
Captions available
The idea
A net ionic equation removes spectator ions, those unchanged on both sides, leaving only the species that react.
In practice
Canceling Na+ and NO3− from the complete ionic equation leaves the net ionic equation Ag+ + Cl− → AgCl(s).
Where people slip
Canceling an ion that appears on both sides but in different amounts or states, or canceling the precipitate itself, is not valid spectator-ion cancellation.
Your place on the trail
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