Ionic Equations Flashcards

All 4 cards in this deck

What is a spectator ion?

An ion that is present but unchanged on both sides of the equation, so it is left out of the ionic equation.

What are the steps to write an ionic equation from a full balanced equation?

e.g. $MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) \rightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + H_2O(l)$

1. Write dissolved ionic substances as separate ions
2. Cancel the spectator ions ($Cl^-$)
3. Write what is left, balanced: $MgO + 2H^+ \rightarrow Mg^{2+} + H_2O$

What is the ionic equation for the neutralisation of an acid by an alkali?

$H^+(aq) + OH^-(aq) \rightarrow H_2O(l)$

True or false? In a balanced ionic equation the total charge must be the same on both sides.

True. Both the atoms and the total charge must balance.