1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
2 NH₄ClO₄(aq) + Ca(OH)₂(aq) → Ca(ClO₄)₂(aq) + 2 NH₃(aq) + 2 H₂O(l)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
2 NH₄⁺(aq) + 2 ClO₄⁻(aq) + Ca²⁺(aq) + 2 OH⁻(aq) → Ca²⁺(aq) + 2 ClO₄⁻(aq) + 2 NH₃(aq) + 2 H₂O(l)
3. Identify and cancel spectator ions:
* Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, Ca²⁺ and ClO₄⁻ are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
2 NH₄⁺(aq) + 2 OH⁻(aq) → 2 NH₃(aq) + 2 H₂O(l)
Simplified net ionic equation:
NH₄⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → NH₃(aq) + H₂O(l)
Explanation:
The net ionic equation represents the actual chemical change occurring in the reaction. It shows that ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) react with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to produce ammonia (NH₃) and water (H₂O).