When aqueous solutions of sodium carbonate and cobalt(II) sulfate are combined, solid cobalt(II) carbonate and a solution of sodium sulfate are formed. The net ionic equation for this reaction is:

Answer 1

Na2CO3 (aq) +CoSO4 (aq )=Na2SO4(aq) + CoCO3(s)

2Na+(aq) + CO3 2(aq)- + Co2(aq)+ + SO4 2-(aq) = 2Na+(aq) +SO4 2-(aq)+ CoCO3(s)

Co2+(aq) +CO3 2(aq)-= CoCO3(s)

Answer 2

First, we need to know the correct compounds from the names:

sodium = Na⁺

carbonate = CO₃^-2

cobalt(II) = Co⁺²

sulfate = SO₄^-2

Recall in Chemistry class, to form the compounds you have to make sure each compound has a neutral charge. This is why the sodium carbonate and sodium sulfate has two sodiums.

For balancing, ensure you have the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation. Fortunately, this equation is very straight forward.

Now we can write the equation:

Na₂CO_3(aq) + CoSO_4(aq) <=> Na₂SO_4(aq) + CoCO₃(s)

Now we break apart the compounds into chemical species forming the ionic equation with the spectator ions:

2Na⁺_(aq) + CO₃^-2_(aq) + Co⁺²_(aq) + SO₄^-2_(aq) <=> 2Na⁺_(aq) + SO₄^-2_(aq) + CoCO₃(s)

Now we remove the spectator ions and am left with the net ionic equation:

CO₃^-2_(aq) + Co⁺²_{(aq) )} <=> CoCO₃(s)