1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + K₂SO₄(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2KNO₃(aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
This involves breaking down all soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:
Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2K⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)
3. Identify spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation unchanged. In this case, K⁺(aq) and NO₃⁻(aq) are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
This involves removing the spectator ions:
Pb²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s)
Therefore, the net ionic equation for the reaction is Pb²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s).