Write the balanced net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs in the following case: Cr2(SO4)3(aq) + (NH4)2CO3(aq) → Cr2(SO4)3(aq) + (NH4)2CO3(aq) Express your answer as a balanced net ionic equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer. Identify the spectator ion or ions in this reaction. Express your answer as an ion. If there is more than one answer, separate them by a comma.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The given reaction is:
Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+(NH4)2CO3(aq)→Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+(NH4)2CO3(aq)\text{Cr}_2(\text{SO}_4)_3(aq) + (\text{NH}_4)_2\text{CO}_3(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cr}_2(\text{SO}_4)_3(aq) + (\text{NH}_4)_2\text{CO}_3(aq)Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+(NH4)2CO3(aq)→Cr2(SO4)3(aq)+(NH4)2CO3(aq)
Looking at the reactants and products, we can see that both the chromium sulfate Cr2(SO4)3\text{Cr}_2(\text{SO}_4)_3Cr2(SO4)3 and ammonium carbonate (NH4)2CO3(\text{NH}_4)_2\text{CO}_3(NH4)2CO3 are present on both sides of the reaction, with no apparent change. This suggests that no chemical reaction actually occurs between these two compounds. As a result, the reaction is a no reaction case.
Ionic Form:
For the ions involved, let’s break down the substances into their respective ions:
- Chromium sulfate (Cr2(SO4)3\text{Cr}_2(\text{SO}_4)_3Cr2(SO4)3) dissociates in aqueous solution into:
Cr3+(aq)+3SO42−(aq)\text{Cr}^{3+}(aq) + 3\text{SO}_4^{2-}(aq)Cr3+(aq)+3SO42−(aq) - Ammonium carbonate (NH4)2CO3(\text{NH}_4)_2\text{CO}_3(NH4)2CO3 dissociates into:
2NH4+(aq)+CO32−(aq)2\text{NH}_4^+(aq) + \text{CO}_3^{2-}(aq)2NH4+(aq)+CO32−(aq)
Net Ionic Equation:
Since there is no change between the reactants and the products (both the reactants remain as ions in the aqueous phase), the net ionic equation would be:
No Reaction\text{No Reaction}No Reaction
Spectator Ions:
The ions that do not change during the reaction are the spectator ions. In this case, since the whole reaction doesn’t result in a change of species, all ions present in the aqueous phase are spectator ions.
- Spectator ions: Cr3+,SO42−,NH4+,CO32−\text{Cr}^{3+}, \text{SO}_4^{2-}, \text{NH}_4^+, \text{CO}_3^{2-}Cr3+,SO42−,NH4+,CO32−
Thus, this is a no reaction scenario, and all the ions in solution are spectators.
