Question

What is the net ionic equation of the reaction of MgSO4 with Pb(NO3)2?

Answer 1

`SO_(4(aq))^(2-) + Pb_((aq))^(2+) -> PbSO_(4(s))`

Explanation:

The balanced equation for this reaction is

`MgSO_(4(aq)) + Pb(NO_3)_(2(aq)) ->Mg(NO_3)_2(aq) + PbSO_4(s)`

The complete ionic equation is

`Mg_((aq))^(2+) + SO_(4(aq))^(2-) + Pb_((aq))^(2+) + 2NO_(3(aq))^(-) -> PbSO_(4(s)) + Mg_((aq))^(2+) + + 2NO_(3(aq))^(-)`

If you eliminate spectator ions, which are the ions thatcan be found both on the reactants' and on the products' side, you'll get the net ionic equation

`SO_(4(aq))^(2-) + Pb_((aq))^(2+) -> PbSO_(4(s))`

Lead (II) sulfate is insoluble in aqueous solution and will form a precipitate.

Here is another example which illustrates how to write a net ionic equation.

Video from: Noel Pauller