How to Write Net Ionic Equations

Applying Solubility Rules

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsSolve the problem, showing

all steps

Step 1: Predict the products of the double displacement reaction and ensure that the equation is balanced.

Na2S + FeSO4 → Na2SO4 + FeS

How to Write Net Ionic Equations

Step 2: Use “aq” and “s” to identify each species as being soluble and which will form precipitates

This is known as the balanced molecular equation.

Na2S (aq) + FeSO4(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + FeS(s)

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsStep 3: Write the ionic equation

by breaking up soluble species into their ions.

This is known as the complete ionic equation, total ionic equation, or ionic equation.

2Na+(aq) + S2-(aq) + Fe2+(aq) + SO4

2-(aq) → 2Na+(aq) + SO42-(aq)

+ FeS(s)

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsStep 4: Cancel out all spectator

ions (ions that do not combine to form the precipitate) and rewrite the equation.

2Na+(aq) + S2-(aq) + Fe2+(aq) + SO4(aq)→ 2Na+(aq) + SO4

2-(aq) + FeS(s)

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsThis gives the net ionic

equation (an equation that only has the ions that recombine to form the precipiate, as well as the precipitate product).

S2-(aq) + Fe2+(aq) → FeS(s)

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsSolve the problem, showing

all steps

BaCl2 + Na3PO4 →

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsStep 1: Predict the products of

the double displacement reaction and ensure that the equation is balanced.

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsStep 2: Use “aq” and “s” to

identify each species as being soluble and which will form precipitates

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsStep 3: Write the ionic equation

by breaking up soluble species into their ions.

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsStep 4: Cancel out all spectator

ions and rewrite the equation.

How to Write Net Ionic EquationsThis gives the net ionic equation.