Net Ionic Equations

Question

Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when excess aqueous nitric acid is combined with solid zinc carbonate.

Use the pull-down boxes to specify states such as (aq) or (s). If a box is not needed leave it blank.

Answer 1

Look at the equation for the reaction:

2HNO₃(aq) + ZnCO₃(s) ==> Zn(NO₃)₂(aqq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l) ... balanced molecular equation

Next, you should write the complete ionic equation:

2H⁺(aq) + 2NO₃^-(aq) + ZnCO₃(s) ==> Zn²⁺⁽aq) + 2NO₃^-(aq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l) ... ionic equation

After canceling spectator ions, you can arrive at the net ionic equation as follows:

2H⁺(aq) ZnCO₃(s) ==> Zn²⁺(aq) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l)

Answer 2

Hi Natalie Y.,

You'll make some Zn(+2)(aq) + NO3(-1)(aq) and CO2(g) and H2O(l) and also have leftover H(+)(aq) and NO3(-1)(aq). ------ Though I must say, keeping excess Nitric Acid anywhere near a pull-down box sounds like a spectacularly dangerous thing to do!

--Cheers, -- Mr. d.