1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
HClO(aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄ClO(aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
H⁺(aq) + ClO⁻(aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄⁺(aq) + ClO⁻(aq)
3. Identify spectator ions:
The ClO⁻ ion appears on both sides of the equation, so it's a spectator ion.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
H⁺(aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄⁺(aq)
Therefore, the net ionic equation for the reaction of hypochlorous acid and ammonia is:
H⁺(aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄⁺(aq)