Question

What is the net ionic equation for the reaction of copper(II) ion with iron?

Answer 1

`1 Cu^(+2) + 1 SO_4^-2 + 1 Fe^0 -> 1 Fe^(+2) + 1 SO_4^-2 + 1 Cu^0` ionic equation.
`1 Cu^(+2) + 1 Fe^0 -> 1 Cu^0 + 1 Fe^(+2)` net ionic equation.

Explanation:

The water `H_2O` does not ionize or change, so it is not part of either the ionic equation or the net ionic equation.

The sulfate ion `SO_4^-2` does not change so, while it part of the ionic equation, it is not part of the net ionic equation.