Net ionic equations

Science

Definition

A net ionic equation shows only the ions and molecules that actually participate in a chemical reaction, removing spectator ions that remain unchanged. It reveals the essential chemistry occurring in aqueous solution reactions.

How It Works

  1. Write the balanced molecular equation.
  2. Write the complete ionic equation by splitting all strong electrolytes into ions.
  3. Identify spectator ions (ions appearing unchanged on both sides).
  4. Remove spectator ions to obtain the net ionic equation.
  5. Verify that charge and atoms are balanced.

Examples

  • Ag⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → AgCl(s) as the net ionic equation for silver nitrate + sodium chloride
  • H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l) for any strong acid–strong base neutralization
  • Removing Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ as spectator ions from a precipitation reaction

Related Terms

Neutralization reactions Reaction types Solubility Balancing equations

Study This Concept

Practice net ionic equations with free review games in these units:

AP Chemistry Unit 4: Chemical Reactions