1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
Hg₂(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2 HCl (aq) → Hg₂Cl₂ (s) + 2 HNO₃ (aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
Hg₂²⁺ (aq) + 2NO₃⁻ (aq) + 2H⁺ (aq) + 2Cl⁻ (aq) → Hg₂Cl₂ (s) + 2H⁺ (aq) + 2NO₃⁻ (aq)
3. Identify the 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 NO₃⁻ and H⁺.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
Hg₂²⁺ (aq) + 2Cl⁻ (aq) → Hg₂Cl₂ (s)
Therefore, the net ionic equation for the reaction is:
Hg₂²⁺ (aq) + 2Cl⁻ (aq) → Hg₂Cl₂ (s)
