Here's how to determine the net ionic equation for the reaction of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl):

1. Write the balanced molecular equation:

AgNO₃(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO₃(aq)

2. Write the complete ionic equation:

Ag⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → AgCl(s) + Na⁺(aq) + NO₃⁻(aq)

* We break down all soluble ionic compounds into their ions.

* AgCl is insoluble, so it stays as a solid (s).

3. Identify spectator ions:

Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and don't participate in the reaction. In this case, Na⁺(aq) and NO₃⁻(aq) are spectator ions.

4. Write the net ionic equation:

Remove the spectator ions from the complete ionic equation:

Ag⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → AgCl(s)

This is the net ionic equation, which shows only the ions that directly react to form the precipitate.