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Chemical Reactions

Ionic equations, and state symbols

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 3

Overview

What an ionic equation and a spectator ion are, why charge must balance, ionic equations for the precipitates copper(II) hydroxide, silver chloride and barium sulfate and for magnesium with acid, what the state symbols s, l, g and aq mean, and adding them to equations such as zinc or marble chips with acid.

What you need to know

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Key term

What is an ionic equation?

Key term

What is a spectator ion?

Key term

Besides the atoms, what else must balance on the two sides of an ionic equation?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is an ionic equation?

    Model answer

    An equation that shows only the species that actually change during the reaction, leaving out the ions that do not react.

  2. 2

    What is a spectator ion?

    Model answer

    An ion that is present in the mixture but is unchanged by the reaction, appearing on both sides of the full equation.

  3. 3

    Besides the atoms, what else must balance on the two sides of an ionic equation?

    Model answer

    The total electrical charge must be the same on both sides.

  4. 4

    Write the ionic equation for copper(II) hydroxide precipitating when sodium hydroxide solution is added to copper(II) sulfate solution.

    Model answer

    Cu²⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) → Cu(OH)₂(s).

  5. 5

    Write the ionic equation for silver chloride forming when silver nitrate solution is mixed with sodium chloride solution.

    Model answer

    Ag⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → AgCl(s).

  6. 6

    Write the ionic equation for magnesium reacting with a dilute acid.

    Model answer

    Mg(s) + 2H⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + H₂(g).

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AThe products sit at a higher energy level than the reactants.
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Sodium ions give a bright yellow flame colour.
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