Precipitate Equations Practice
Chemistry 11
Writing Balanced Ionic Equations
The first step in writing a balanced equation is predicting the products of the reaction as
discussed above. Then the steps below are completed in sequence:

Balance the Molecular Equation: In the “molecular” equation, nothing is broken up into
ions. Salt formulas are written so that the cation charges exactly balance out the anion
charges so that the salt is neutral. Then the equation is balanced for atoms.

Balance the Total Ionic Equation: The first step in writing an ionic equation is to decide
what species should be broken up into ions. The solubility chart will help!

Balance the Net Ionic Equation: Identify all spectator ions: these are ions that are identical
on both sides of the balanced total ionic equation. Remove the spectator ions from the
equation. What remains is the net ionic equation. Finally, simplify the stoichiometric
coefficients if all of them are divisible by a common factor.
If all the ions are spectator ions so that nothing is left for your net ionic equation, no
reaction has taken place!
Exercises
For each of the following reactions, complete the chart. Be sure to balance all of your
equations. Show the ionic charges of all ions in solution, and the states of all products and
reactants.
1. Ca(Cl)2(aq) + NH4OH(aq)
(a) Reaction type:
Formulas of Products Formed:
(b) Molecular Equation
(c) Total Ionic Equation
(d) Net Ionic Equation
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2. AgNO3(aq) + K2Cr2O7(aq)
(a) Reaction type:
Formulas of Products Formed:
(b) Molecular Equation
(c) Total Ionic Equation
(d) Net Ionic Equation
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Precipitate Equations Practice
Chemistry 11
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3. FeCl3(aq) + Na2CO3(aq)
(a) Reaction type:
Formulas of Products Formed:
(b) Molecular Equation
(c) Total Ionic Equation
(d) Net Ionic Equation
______________________________________________________________________________
4. BaS(aq) + K2SO4(aq)
(a) Reaction type:
Formulas of Products Formed:
(b) Molecular Equation
(c) Total Ionic Equation
(d) Net Ionic Equation
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Pb(NO3)2(aq) + Sr(OH)2(aq)
(a) Reaction type:
Formulas of Products Formed:
(b) Molecular Equation
(c) Total Ionic Equation
(d) Net Ionic Equation
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6. . RbOH(aq) + BeS(aq)
(a) Reaction type:
Formulas of Products Formed:
(b) Molecular Equation
(c) Total Ionic Equation
(d) Net Ionic Equation
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