A food chemist analyzes the titratable acidity of a vinegar sample by reacting aqueous acetic acid, $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq)$, with a standardized solution of potassium hydroxide, $\text{KOH}(aq)$. Because acetic acid is a weak acid, it remains predominantly undissociated in aqueous solution, whereas potassium hydroxide is a strong base that completely ionizes into $\text{K}^+(aq)$ and $\text{OH}^-(aq)$. Which of the following correctly identifies the spectator ion(s) and the balanced net ionic equation for this neutralization reaction?

A) Spectator ions: $\text{K}^+(aq)$ and $\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-(aq)$; Net ionic equation: $\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{OH}^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$

B) Spectator ion: $\text{K}^+(aq)$; Net ionic equation: $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq) + \text{OH}^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$

C) Spectator ions: $\text{K}^+(aq)$ and $\text{OH}^-(aq)$; Net ionic equation: $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq) \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-(aq) + \text{H}^+(aq)$

D) Spectator ion: None; Net ionic equation: $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq) + \text{KOH}(aq) \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COOK}(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$

A laboratory technician recovers precious silver from an industrial rinse bath containing aqueous silver nitrate, $\text{AgNO}_3(aq)$, by placing a strip of solid copper, $\text{Cu}(s)$, into the solution. Glistening crystals of elemental silver, $\text{Ag}(s)$, deposit onto the metal surface while the solution gradually turns pale blue due to the formation of dissolved copper(II) nitrate, $\text{Cu(NO}_3)_2(aq)$. Based on the principles of writing ionic equations, which of the following correctly identifies the spectator ion(s) and the balanced net ionic equation for this single-replacement reaction?

A) Spectator ion: $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$; Net ionic equation: $\text{Cu}(s) + \text{Ag}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) + \text{Ag}(s)$

B) Spectator ions: $\text{Cu}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$; Net ionic equation: $\text{Ag}^+(aq) + e^- \rightarrow \text{Ag}(s)$

C) Spectator ions: None; Net ionic equation: $\text{Cu}(s) + 2\text{AgNO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu(NO}_3)_2(aq) + 2\text{Ag}(s)$

D) Spectator ion: $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$; Net ionic equation: $\text{Cu}(s) + 2\text{Ag}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{Ag}(s)$

An environmental remediation team treats acidic drainage containing dissolved nitric acid, $\text{HNO}_3(aq)$, by adding a powdered limestone slurry consisting of solid calcium carbonate, $\text{CaCO}_3(s)$. The reaction vigorously releases carbon dioxide gas and produces a clear solution of dissolved calcium nitrate. Based on the principles of writing ionic equations, which of the following correctly identifies the spectator ion(s) and the balanced net ionic equation for this neutralization?

A) Spectator ions: $\text{Ca}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$; Net ionic equation: $\text{CO}_3^{2-}(aq) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$

B) Spectator ions: None; Net ionic equation: $\text{CaCO}_3(s) + 2\text{HNO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{NO}_3^-(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$

C) Spectator ion: $\text{Ca}^{2+}(aq)$ only; Net ionic equation: $\text{CaCO}_3(s) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) + 2\text{NO}_3^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca(NO}_3)_2(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$

D) Spectator ion: $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$ only; Net ionic equation: $\text{CaCO}_3(s) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+}(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$

A student titrates dilute sulfuric acid, $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4(aq)$, into an aqueous solution of barium hydroxide, $\text{Ba(OH)}_2(aq)$, while monitoring electrical conductivity. At the stoichiometric equivalence point, a dense white precipitate settles, and the electrical conductivity of the mixture drops virtually to zero. Which of the following correctly gives the balanced net ionic equation and accounts for the observed drop in conductivity?

A) $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{OH}^-(aq) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$; all dissolved ions are consumed to form products, leaving no spectator ions in solution.

B) $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4(s)$; $\text{H}^+(aq)$ and $\text{OH}^-(aq)$ act as spectator ions that remain in solution without contributing to conductivity.

C) $\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{OH}^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$; $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq)$ remain as spectator ions whose net electrostatic charges cancel out.

D) $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{OH}^-(aq) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$; spectator ions are present but precipitate into an uncharged liquid phase.

A student combines aqueous solutions of ammonium phosphate, $(\text{NH}_4)_3\text{PO}_4$, and zinc nitrate, $\text{Zn(NO}_3)_2$, observing the immediate formation of a white precipitate of zinc phosphate, $\text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2$. The student confirms that ammonium and nitrate ions remain fully dissolved in the solution after precipitation is complete. Which of the following correctly pairs the balanced net ionic equation with the spectator ions for this reaction?

A) Net ionic equation: $2(\text{NH}_4)_3\text{PO}_4(aq) + 3\text{Zn(NO}_3)_2(aq) \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2(s) + 6\text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3(aq)$; Spectator ions: None

B) Net ionic equation: $\text{NH}_4^+(aq) + \text{NO}_3^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3(aq)$; Spectator ions: $\text{Zn}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{PO}_4^{3-}(aq)$

C) Net ionic equation: $\text{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + \text{PO}_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2(s)$; Spectator ions: $\text{NH}_4^+(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$

D) Net ionic equation: $3\text{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{PO}_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2(s)$; Spectator ions: $\text{NH}_4^+(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$

Ionic and net ionic equations Transitional Reasoning Practice

Chemistry · The Mole & Stoichiometry · Chemistry · Chemical Reactions & Equations

5 Chemistry practice questions on Ionic and net ionic equations. Questions that build towards applied reasoning.

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Questions

1.
A food chemist analyzes the titratable acidity of a vinegar sample by reacting aqueous acetic acid, $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq)$ , with a standardized solution of potassium hydroxide, $\text{KOH}(aq)$ . Because acetic acid is a weak acid, it remains predominantly undissociated in aqueous solution, whereas potassium hydroxide is a strong base that completely ionizes into $\text{K}^+(aq)$ and $\text{OH}^-(aq)$ . Which of the following correctly identifies the spectator ion(s) and the balanced net ionic equation for this neutralization reaction?
- A) Spectator ions: $\text{K}^+(aq)$ and $\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-(aq)$ ; Net ionic equation: $\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{OH}^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$
- B) Spectator ion: $\text{K}^+(aq)$ ; Net ionic equation: $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq) + \text{OH}^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$
- C) Spectator ions: $\text{K}^+(aq)$ and $\text{OH}^-(aq)$ ; Net ionic equation: $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq) \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-(aq) + \text{H}^+(aq)$
- D) Spectator ion: None; Net ionic equation: $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}(aq) + \text{KOH}(aq) \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COOK}(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$
2.
A laboratory technician recovers precious silver from an industrial rinse bath containing aqueous silver nitrate, $\text{AgNO}_3(aq)$ , by placing a strip of solid copper, $\text{Cu}(s)$ , into the solution. Glistening crystals of elemental silver, $\text{Ag}(s)$ , deposit onto the metal surface while the solution gradually turns pale blue due to the formation of dissolved copper(II) nitrate, $\text{Cu(NO}_3)_2(aq)$ . Based on the principles of writing ionic equations, which of the following correctly identifies the spectator ion(s) and the balanced net ionic equation for this single-replacement reaction?
- A) Spectator ion: $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$ ; Net ionic equation: $\text{Cu}(s) + \text{Ag}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) + \text{Ag}(s)$
- B) Spectator ions: $\text{Cu}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$ ; Net ionic equation: $\text{Ag}^+(aq) + e^- \rightarrow \text{Ag}(s)$
- C) Spectator ions: None; Net ionic equation: $\text{Cu}(s) + 2\text{AgNO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu(NO}_3)_2(aq) + 2\text{Ag}(s)$
- D) Spectator ion: $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$ ; Net ionic equation: $\text{Cu}(s) + 2\text{Ag}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{Ag}(s)$
3.
An environmental remediation team treats acidic drainage containing dissolved nitric acid, $\text{HNO}_3(aq)$ , by adding a powdered limestone slurry consisting of solid calcium carbonate, $\text{CaCO}_3(s)$ . The reaction vigorously releases carbon dioxide gas and produces a clear solution of dissolved calcium nitrate. Based on the principles of writing ionic equations, which of the following correctly identifies the spectator ion(s) and the balanced net ionic equation for this neutralization?
- A) Spectator ions: $\text{Ca}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$ ; Net ionic equation: $\text{CO}_3^{2-}(aq) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$
- B) Spectator ions: None; Net ionic equation: $\text{CaCO}_3(s) + 2\text{HNO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{NO}_3^-(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$
- C) Spectator ion: $\text{Ca}^{2+}(aq)$ only; Net ionic equation: $\text{CaCO}_3(s) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) + 2\text{NO}_3^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca(NO}_3)_2(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$
- D) Spectator ion: $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$ only; Net ionic equation: $\text{CaCO}_3(s) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+}(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l) + \text{CO}_2(g)$
4.
A student titrates dilute sulfuric acid, $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4(aq)$ , into an aqueous solution of barium hydroxide, $\text{Ba(OH)}_2(aq)$ , while monitoring electrical conductivity. At the stoichiometric equivalence point, a dense white precipitate settles, and the electrical conductivity of the mixture drops virtually to zero. Which of the following correctly gives the balanced net ionic equation and accounts for the observed drop in conductivity?
- A) $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{OH}^-(aq) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$ ; all dissolved ions are consumed to form products, leaving no spectator ions in solution.
- B) $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4(s)$ ; $\text{H}^+(aq)$ and $\text{OH}^-(aq)$ act as spectator ions that remain in solution without contributing to conductivity.
- C) $\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{OH}^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$ ; $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq)$ remain as spectator ions whose net electrostatic charges cancel out.
- D) $\text{Ba}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{OH}^-(aq) + 2\text{H}^+(aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{BaSO}_4(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$ ; spectator ions are present but precipitate into an uncharged liquid phase.
5.
A student combines aqueous solutions of ammonium phosphate, $(\text{NH}_4)_3\text{PO}_4$ , and zinc nitrate, $\text{Zn(NO}_3)_2$ , observing the immediate formation of a white precipitate of zinc phosphate, $\text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2$ . The student confirms that ammonium and nitrate ions remain fully dissolved in the solution after precipitation is complete. Which of the following correctly pairs the balanced net ionic equation with the spectator ions for this reaction?
- A) Net ionic equation: $2(\text{NH}_4)_3\text{PO}_4(aq) + 3\text{Zn(NO}_3)_2(aq) \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2(s) + 6\text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3(aq)$ ; Spectator ions: None
- B) Net ionic equation: $\text{NH}_4^+(aq) + \text{NO}_3^-(aq) \rightarrow \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3(aq)$ ; Spectator ions: $\text{Zn}^{2+}(aq)$ and $\text{PO}_4^{3-}(aq)$
- C) Net ionic equation: $\text{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + \text{PO}_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2(s)$ ; Spectator ions: $\text{NH}_4^+(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$
- D) Net ionic equation: $3\text{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + 2\text{PO}_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Zn}_3(\text{PO}_4)_2(s)$ ; Spectator ions: $\text{NH}_4^+(aq)$ and $\text{NO}_3^-(aq)$

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