1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + K₂SO₄(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2KNO₃(aq)
2. Identify the soluble ionic compounds:
* Lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂) is soluble in water.
* Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) is soluble in water.
* Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) is soluble in water.
* Lead sulfate (PbSO₄) is insoluble in water.
3. Separate the soluble ionic compounds into their ions:
* Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) → Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)
* K₂SO₄(aq) → 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)
* 2KNO₃(aq) → 2K⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)
4. Write the complete ionic equation:
Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2K⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)
Important Note: The solid product (PbSO₄) remains as a single unit in the equation because it does not dissociate into ions in solution.
