1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
2 NaC₂H₃O₂ (aq) + Ba(OH)₂ (aq) → Ba(C₂H₃O₂)₂ (aq) + 2 NaOH (aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
This involves breaking down all soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:
2 Na⁺ (aq) + 2 C₂H₃O₂⁻ (aq) + Ba²⁺ (aq) + 2 OH⁻ (aq) → Ba²⁺ (aq) + 2 C₂H₃O₂⁻ (aq) + 2 Na⁺ (aq) + 2 OH⁻ (aq)
3. Identify and cancel spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, Na⁺ and C₂H₃O₂⁻ are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
This is the simplified equation after canceling the spectator ions:
Ba²⁺ (aq) + 2 OH⁻ (aq) → Ba²⁺ (aq) + 2 OH⁻ (aq)
Important Note: The net ionic equation appears to be "null" because the reaction between sodium acetate and barium hydroxide doesn't produce a precipitate or any other observable change. This means the reaction is actually an equilibrium reaction that doesn't significantly favor the formation of products.
