# What net lonic equation can be derived from this complete ionic equation? 2Fe^(3+)(aq) + 6Cl^-(aq) + 6Na^+(aq) + 3CO_3^(2-)(aq) -> Fe_2(CO_3)_3(s) + 6Cl^-(aq) + 6Na^+(aq)?

Mar 31, 2017

$2 F {e}^{3 +} + 3 C {O}_{3}^{2 -} \rightarrow F {e}_{2} {\left(C {O}_{3}\right)}_{3} \left(s\right) \downarrow$

#### Explanation:

Simply cancel out the common items, the ones that do not undergo chemical change in the original equation:

$2 F {e}^{3 +} + \cancel{6 C {l}^{-} + 6 N {a}^{+}} + 3 C {O}_{3}^{2 -} \rightarrow F {e}_{2} {\left(C {O}_{3}\right)}_{3} \left(s\right) \downarrow + \cancel{6 N {a}^{+} + 6 C {l}^{-}}$

Are mass and charge balanced in the given equation? If they are not, you know that the equation cannot be accepted as a representation of reality. In other words these equations must obey stoichiometry.

Mar 31, 2017

Cancel the "spectator ions" - that undergo no changes, and the net ionic equation appears. Details follow.

#### Explanation:

In a net ionic equation you omit any particles (generally ions) that are not changed in any way as the reaction occurs.

In this case, this applies to the $N {a}^{+}$ and $C {l}^{-}$ ions.

So, the net ionic equation is:

$2 F {e}^{3 +} \left(a q\right) + 3 C {O}_{3}^{2 -} \left(a q\right) \rightarrow F {e}_{2} {\left(C {O}_{3}\right)}_{3} \left(s\right)$