Ions are atoms or molecules which carry an electric charge, either positive or negative.  Thus, in addition to the conservation of atoms which is observed in balancing any chemical equation, charge must also be conserved.

   Example: When calcium hydroxide solution reacts with sulfuric acid solution, a precipitate of calcium sulfate is formed.  Write the balanced ionic equation & the net ionic equation & show the conservation of charges.

   calcium hydroxide solution yields      Ca²⁺(aq)  +  2 OH^1-(aq)

   sulfuric acid solution yields      2 H¹⁺(aq)  +  SO₄²⁺(aq)

Ca²⁺(aq)  +  2 OH^1-(aq)  +  2 H¹⁺(aq)  +  SO₄^2-(aq)  -->  CaSO₄(s)  +  2 H₂O(l)

                       (+2)               (-2)                   (+2)              (-2)                      (0)                    (0)

Ca²⁺(aq)   +  SO₄^2-(aq)  -->  CaSO₄(s)      [Net ionic equation]

                                            (+2)                 (-2)                      (0)                 

Net Ionic Equations

Practice Writing Net Ionic Equations

Precipitation Reactions

Last modified