1. Write the complete balanced molecular equation:
2HClO₄(aq) + Ca(OH)₂(aq) → Ca(ClO₄)₂(aq) + 2H₂O(l)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
2H⁺(aq) + 2ClO₄⁻(aq) + Ca²⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) → Ca²⁺(aq) + 2ClO₄⁻(aq) + 2H₂O(l)
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, Ca²⁺(aq) and ClO₄⁻(aq) are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
2H⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) → 2H₂O(l)
5. Simplify the net ionic equation:
H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l)
This is the balanced net ionic equation for the reaction of perchloric acid and calcium hydroxide. It represents the formation of water from the reaction of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions.
