Here's how to determine the spectator ions in the reaction between silver acetate (AgC₂H₃O₂) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂):

1. Write the balanced chemical equation:

2 AgC₂H₃O₂ (aq) + CaCl₂ (aq) → 2 AgCl (s) + Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂ (aq)

2. Identify the products:

* Silver chloride (AgCl): This is a solid precipitate, meaning it forms a solid and drops out of solution.

* Calcium acetate (Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂): This remains dissolved in solution as an aqueous compound.

3. Determine the ions present in solution before and after the reaction:

Before the reaction:

* AgC₂H₃O₂ (aq): Ag⁺(aq) + C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq)

* CaCl₂ (aq): Ca²⁺(aq) + 2 Cl⁻(aq)

After the reaction:

* AgCl (s): This is a solid and does not contribute to the solution.

* Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂ (aq): Ca²⁺(aq) + 2 C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq)

4. Identify the spectator ions:

Spectator ions are ions that are present on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction.

* Ca²⁺(aq) is present on both sides of the equation.

* C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq) is present on both sides of the equation.

Therefore, the spectator ions in this reaction are Ca²⁺ and C₂H₃O₂⁻.