Question #c4cf5

1 Answer
Nikka C.
Oct 24, 2015

The spectator ions are 2Na^+ and 2NO_3^-

Explanation:

You need to rewrite the equation showing ALL of the ions in their corresponding oxidation states.

Hence, Pb(NO_3)_2 + 2NaCl = PbCl_2 + 2NaNO_3 should be written as

Pb^"2+" + 2NO_3^"-" + 2Na^"+" + 2Cl^"-" = PbCl_2 (s) + 2Na^"+" + 2NO_3^"-"

Why write all in its ionic state except the lead (II) chloride? Because it is already in its salt (solid) state - meaning the substance will be difficult to separate since the chemical bond between them is much stronger than those in aqueous states.

Since the sodium and nitrate ions are both spectator ions, you can now simplify the formula as

Pb^"2+" + 2Cl^"-" = PbCl_2 (s)

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