How to Write Complete Ionic Equations and Net Ionic Equations

About this video

• Video Title: How to Write Complete Ionic Equations and Net Ionic Equations
• Channel: Melissa Maribel
• Speakers: Melissa Maribel
• Duration: 00:09:03

Overview

This video explains the process of writing complete ionic equations and net ionic equations, starting with predicting the products of a reaction, balancing the chemical equation, and then using a solubility table to determine the solubility of each compound. The presenter demonstrates how to break down aqueous compounds into their constituent ions for the complete ionic equation and then identify and cancel out spectator ions to arrive at the net ionic equation.

Key takeaways

• Predicting Products: Use the "inner with inner and outer with outer" method to determine the products of a double displacement reaction.
• Balancing Equations: Treat polyatomic ions as single units if they appear on both sides of the equation to simplify balancing.
• Solubility Rules: Utilize a solubility table to identify whether compounds are soluble (aqueous) or insoluble (solid). Generally, nitrates are always soluble, and halogens are soluble except with specific metals.
• Complete Ionic Equation: Break down all aqueous compounds into their separate ions, leaving solids, liquids, and gases intact.
• Net Ionic Equation: Cancel out spectator ions (ions that appear unchanged on both sides of the complete ionic equation) to obtain the net ionic equation, which represents the actual chemical change occurring.