1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
Ca(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2KCl (aq) → CaCl₂ (aq) + 2KNO₃ (aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
Ca²⁺ (aq) + 2NO₃⁻ (aq) + 2K⁺ (aq) + 2Cl⁻ (aq) → Ca²⁺ (aq) + 2Cl⁻ (aq) + 2K⁺ (aq) + 2NO₃⁻ (aq)
3. Identify spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, the spectator ions are Ca²⁺, NO₃⁻, K⁺, and Cl⁻.
4. Cancel out spectator ions:
Since all ions are spectator ions, the net ionic equation is simply:
There is no net ionic equation because no reaction occurs.
Explanation:
When calcium nitrate and potassium chloride are mixed, all ions remain in solution. There is no precipitate formation, gas evolution, or change in pH. This means no chemical reaction occurs, and the solution simply contains a mixture of all four ions.
