1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
2AgNO₃(aq) + K₂CrO₄(aq) → Ag₂CrO₄(s) + 2KNO₃(aq)
2. Identify the soluble and insoluble compounds:
* Soluble: AgNO₃, K₂CrO₄, and KNO₃ (most nitrates and potassium salts are soluble)
* Insoluble: Ag₂CrO₄ (silver chromate is a precipitate)
3. Write the complete ionic equation:
2Ag⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + CrO₄²⁻(aq) → Ag₂CrO₄(s) + 2K⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)
4. Identify spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, the spectator ions are K⁺ and NO₃⁻.
5. Write the net ionic equation by removing the spectator ions:
2Ag⁺(aq) + CrO₄²⁻(aq) → Ag₂CrO₄(s)
Therefore, the net ionic equation for the reaction of silver nitrate and potassium chromate is:
2Ag⁺(aq) + CrO₄²⁻(aq) → Ag₂CrO₄(s)