What is the spectator ion and net ionic equation of #Zn(s)+Ag_2SO_4(aq)->ZnSO_4(aq)+2Ag(s)#?

1 Answer
May 23, 2017

only sulfate #SO_4^(2-)# is a spectator ion
Zn is oxidised to #Zn^(2+)# in this reaction

Explanation:

sulfate remains as #SO_4^(2-)# throughout this reaction, so is chemically unchanged, so is a "spectator" in the transfer of electrons (otherwise known as chemistry!)
Zn begins the reaction as elemental Zinc (#Zn^0#) and ends the reaction as #Zn^(2+)# , so loses 2 electrons, so oxidation.
Ag begins the reaction as ionic Ag (#Ag^(1+)#) and ends the reactions as elemental Silver (#Ag^0#), so gains 1 electron, so reduced.