1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
CuSO₄(aq) + Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + PbSO₄(s)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
This involves breaking down all soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:
Cu²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) + Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) → Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + PbSO₄(s)
3. Identify the spectator ions:
These are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and don't participate in the reaction. In this case, the spectator ions are Cu²⁺(aq) and 2NO₃⁻(aq).
4. Write the net ionic equation:
This is the equation that shows only the ions directly involved in the reaction, excluding the spectator ions:
Pb²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s)
Therefore, the complete net ionic equation for the reaction of copper sulfate and lead nitrate is Pb²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s).