$2 AgNO _3( aq )+ K _2 SO _4( aq ) \rightarrow 2 KNO _3( aq )+ Ag _2 SO _4(s)$
The spectator ions in the reaction shown are:
A. silver ion and sulfate ion.
B. potassium ion and nitrate ion.
C. silver ion and nitrate ion.
D. hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion.
E. potassium ion and sulfate ion.
Answer (2)
Write the complete ionic equation: Break down aqueous compounds into ions.
Identify ions present on both sides: These are the spectator ions.
In this reaction, K + and N O 3 − appear on both sides.
The spectator ions are potassium and nitrate ions: p o t a ss i u m i o n an d ni t r a t e i o n .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The problem asks us to identify the spectator ions in the given chemical reaction: 2 A g N O 3 ( a q ) + K 2 S O 4 ( a q ) → 2 K N O 3 ( a q ) + A g 2 S O 4 ( s ) . Spectator ions are those that do not participate in the reaction and appear on both sides of the complete ionic equation.
Writing the Complete Ionic Equation First, we need to write the complete ionic equation, breaking down each aqueous compound into its constituent ions: 2 A g + ( a q ) + 2 N O 3 − ( a q ) + 2 K + ( a q ) + S O 4 2 − ( a q ) → 2 K + ( a q ) + 2 N O 3 − ( a q ) + A g 2 S O 4 ( s )
Identifying Spectator Ions Now, we identify the ions that appear unchanged on both sides of the equation. These are the spectator ions. In this case, potassium ions ( K + ) and nitrate ions ( N O 3 − ) are present on both sides.
Conclusion Therefore, the spectator ions in the reaction are potassium ion and nitrate ion.
Examples
Spectator ions are like the audience at a play; they're present but don't directly participate in the action. In chemistry, identifying spectator ions helps us focus on the actual chemical change occurring in a reaction. For example, if you're treating wastewater to remove a pollutant, knowing the spectator ions helps you design a more efficient treatment process by focusing on the reacting species and ignoring the non-reacting ones. This simplifies the chemistry and makes the treatment more cost-effective.
The spectator ions in the given reaction are potassium ions and nitrate ions, as they appear unchanged on both sides of the complete ionic equation. By identifying these ions, we focus on the actual chemical changes occurring in the reaction. Therefore, the correct answer is option B: potassium ion and nitrate ion.
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