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Chapter 8: Problem 21

How do total and net ionic equations differ?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The main difference between total and net ionic equations is that the total ionic equation shows all the ions involved in the reaction, while the net ionic equation only shows the ions that actively participate in the reaction, omitting the spectator ions.

Step by step solution

01

Concept elucidation

Describe the concept of a total ionic equation. This refers to an equation in which compounds are split into their constituent ions.
02

Further clarification

Explain the net ionic equation. This is a chemical equation for a reaction which lists only those species participating in the reaction. The ions that do not participate in the reaction are not included, as they are believed to remain virtually unchanged before and after the reaction.
03

Point out the difference

Differentiate between the two. The main differences are that total ionic equations show all ions regardless of their activity in the reaction, while net ionic equations only reflect the ions that actively participate, omitting the spectator ions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Identify the type of reaction for each of the following. Then, predict products for the reaction and balance the equation. If no reaction occurs, write "no reaction." $$ \begin{array}{l}{\text { a. } \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6}+\mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow} \\ {\text { b. } \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}+\mathrm{Al} \rightarrow} \\ {\text { c. } \mathrm{N}_{2}+\mathrm{Mg} \rightarrow} \\\ {\text { d. } \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3} \rightarrow} \\ {\text { e. } \mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2}+\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4} \longrightarrow}\end{array} $$

Explain why a net ionic equation is the best way to represent a double-displacement reaction.

Write a balanced equation for each of the following: a. iron(III) oxide + magnesium \(\rightarrow\) magnesium oxide + iron b. nitrogen dioxide + water \(\longrightarrow\) nitric acid + nitrogen monoxide c. silicon tetrachloride + water \(\rightarrow\) silicon dioxide + hydrochloric acid

Define each of the following terms: $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. decomposition reaction }} \\ {\text { b. double-displacement reaction }} \\ {\text { c. spectator ions }} \\ {\text { d. activity series }}\end{array}$$

Which halogen has the shortest single bond with hydrogen?
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