1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
NaF(aq) + HBr(aq) → NaBr(aq) + HF(aq)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
Na⁺(aq) + F⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) + Br⁻(aq) → Na⁺(aq) + Br⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) + F⁻(aq)
3. Identify and cancel spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, Na⁺ and Br⁻ are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation:
H⁺(aq) + F⁻(aq) → HF(aq)
This net ionic equation represents the actual chemical change occurring in the reaction: the hydrogen ion (H⁺) from the acid reacts with the fluoride ion (F⁻) to form hydrofluoric acid (HF).