1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
KF(aq) + HNO₃(aq) → KNO₃(aq) + HF(aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
K⁺(aq) + F⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq) → K⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) + F⁻(aq)
3. Identify and cancel spectator ions:
Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and don't participate in the reaction. In this case, K⁺ and NO₃⁻ are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
H⁺(aq) + F⁻(aq) → HF(aq)
This equation shows the actual chemical change that occurs: hydrogen ions (H⁺) from nitric acid react with fluoride ions (F⁻) from potassium fluoride to form hydrofluoric acid (HF).