Write the net ionic equation for the following molecular equation. CaCl2(aq) + (NH4)2CO3(aq)= CaCO3(s) + 2NH4Cl(aq)

Answer 1

Since there are aqueous solutions of Calcium chloride and ammonium carbonate combined, the state we need to put in the chemical equation is (aq) for each. Solid calcium carbonate is formed, meaning it is called a precipitate.

First, write the chemical reaction for this situation:

CaCl₂(aq) + (NH₄)₂CO₃(aq)  ------->CaCO₃ (s) + 2NH₄Cl (aq)

This equation is balanced as there are the same quantity of atoms in both sides of equation. Therefore, we can write the ionic equation.

Now to write the ionic equation:

In these aqueous species, they typically form ions in solution except when forming a precipitate.

Cl^- is soluble except with certain metals like silver, lead, and mercury.

NH₄⁺ is always a soluble ion, CO₃^2- are only soluble with Group I metals, aluminum, and ammonium.

Equation: Ca²⁺(aq) + 2Cl^-(aq) + CO₃^2-(aq) + 2NH₄⁺(aq)  -------> CaCO₃ (s) + 2NH₄⁺(aq) + 2Cl^-(aq)

Net ionic equation means that same ions located in both left and right of chemical equation get cancelled out. The common ions are the 2NH₄⁺(aq) and 2Cl^-(aq). So cancel like terms and get the net ionic equation:

Ca²⁺(aq) + CO₃^2-(aq)  -------> CaCO₃ (s)