the compound barium nitrate, ba(no3)2 is soluble in water. write the net ionic equation for the dissociation reaction that occurs when solid barium nitrate dissolves in water: be sure to specify states such as (aq) or (s)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
When barium nitrate (\text{Ba(NO}_3\text{)}_2) dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions. The dissociation reaction can be represented as follows:
Complete Ionic Equation
[
\text{Ba(NO}_3\text{)}_2 (s) \rightarrow \text{Ba}^{2+} (aq) + 2 \text{NO}_3^{-} (aq)
]
Net Ionic Equation
Since all the species are ions in solution and there are no spectator ions in this reaction, the net ionic equation is the same as the complete ionic equation:
[
\text{Ba(NO}_3\text{)}_2 (s) \rightarrow \text{Ba}^{2+} (aq) + 2 \text{NO}_3^{-} (aq)
]
Explanation
Barium nitrate is an ionic compound composed of barium ions ((\text{Ba}^{2+})) and nitrate ions ((\text{NO}_3^{-})). When solid barium nitrate is added to water, the polar nature of water molecules facilitates the dissociation of the ionic compound. Water molecules surround the barium and nitrate ions, effectively pulling them away from the crystal lattice of the solid.
- Dissociation Process: As the solid barium nitrate is placed in water, the water molecules interact with the ionic bonds holding the barium and nitrate ions together. The positive part of the water molecule (the hydrogen atoms) is attracted to the negatively charged nitrate ions, while the negative part (the oxygen atom) is attracted to the positively charged barium ions. This interaction helps to separate the ions and disperse them into the solution.
- Solubility: The solubility of barium nitrate in water indicates that the interactions between the barium and nitrate ions with water are stronger than the forces holding the solid together. Thus, barium nitrate readily dissolves, allowing it to exist as ions in aqueous solution.
- Net Ionic Equation: In this specific case, because all ions are soluble, the net ionic equation remains the same as the dissociation equation. This highlights that the original compound separates entirely into its constituent ions in solution.
Overall, the dissolution of barium nitrate is a clear example of how ionic compounds behave in polar solvents like water, leading to the formation of a solution that can conduct electricity due to the presence of free-moving ions.