A net ionic equation is a chemical equation that shows only the species that participate in a reaction, excluding spectator ions. This simplifies the equation and focuses on the key components of the reaction.
To write a net ionic equation, first write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction. Then, identify and cancel out any spectator ions that do not participate in the reaction. The remaining ions are the ones involved in the net ionic equation.
The purpose of writing a net ionic equation is to simplify and highlight the important components of a chemical reaction. It also helps to better understand the role of each ion in the reaction and identify any products that are insoluble.
A molecular equation shows all of the reactants and products in a chemical reaction, including spectator ions. A net ionic equation only shows the species that participate in the reaction, excluding spectator ions.
Spectator ions are ions that are present in a chemical reaction but do not participate in it. They are present in both the reactants and products and are not changed by the reaction.