What is the net ionic equation for the reaction between Li2CO3(aq) and HCl(aq).

Answer 1

Look at the molecular equation first:

Li₂CO₃(aq) + 2HCl(aq) ==> 2LiCl(sq) + H₂CO₃(aq) ==> 2LiCl(aq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l)

From this, we can write the total ionic equation:

2Li⁺(aq) + CO₃^2-(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) + 2Cl^-(aq) ==> 2Li⁺(aq) + 2Cl^-(aq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l)

Now we cancel the spectator ions and we are left with the net ionic equation:

CO₃^2-(aq) + 2H⁺(aq) ==> CO₂(g) + H₂O(l)