Which statement below best describes net ionic equations?
A)A net ionic equation lists all ions in the solution.
B)A net ionic equation is obtained when the ions forming the precipitate are removed from the molecular equation.
C)A net ionic equation is a balanced chemical equation that includes only ions that participate in a reaction.
D)A net ionic equation is a balanced chemical equation that includes all the ions present in a reaction mixture.
E)A net ionic reaction is a balanced chemical equation that clearly shows spectator ions in a reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A net ionic equation is a chemical equation that shows only the species that are actively involved in the reaction, which are called ions in solution. Therefore, choice C, which defines a net ionic equation as a balanced chemical equation that includes only ions that participate in a reaction, is the correct answer. Choices A, D, and E are incorrect because they either include all ions present in the solution or do not show only the participating ions in the reaction. Choice B is partially correct but incomplete, as it only mentions the removal of ions forming a precipitate, which is not always the case in every reaction.

Which Statement Below Best Describes Net Ionic Equations