Describing Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
- A molecular equation shows the complete formulas of all reactants and products; although this equation shows the reactants and products of the reactions, it does not give a very clear picture of what actually occurs in solution
- The complete ionic equation better represents the actual forms of the reactants and products in solution
- In a complete ionic equation, all substances that are strong electrolytes are represented as ions
- The complete ionic equation reveals that only some of the ions participate in the reaction
- Ions that don't participate directly in a reaction in solution are called spectator ions
- A net ionic equation includes only those components that are directly involved in the reaction
Types of Equations for Reactions in Aqueous Solutions:
- The molecular equation shows the overall reaction but not necessarily the actual forms of the reactants and products in solution
- The complete ionic equation represents all reactants and products that are strong electrolytes as ions. All reactants and products are included.
- The net ionic equation includes only those components that undergo a change. Spectator ions are not included.