1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
AlBr₃(aq) + 3AgC₂H₃O₂(aq) → Al(C₂H₃O₂)₃(aq) + 3AgBr(s)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
This involves breaking down all soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:
Al³⁺(aq) + 3Br⁻(aq) + 3Ag⁺(aq) + 3C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq) → Al³⁺(aq) + 3C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq) + 3AgBr(s)
3. Identify spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation and don't participate in the reaction. In this case, Al³⁺(aq) and C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq) are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
Remove the spectator ions from the complete ionic equation:
3Ag⁺(aq) + 3Br⁻(aq) → 3AgBr(s)
Simplified Net Ionic Equation:
To simplify, you can divide the entire equation by 3:
Ag⁺(aq) + Br⁻(aq) → AgBr(s)
Therefore, the net ionic equation for the reaction between aluminum bromide and silver acetate is Ag⁺(aq) + Br⁻(aq) → AgBr(s).
