The balanced net ionic equation for the precipitation of calcium carbonate when aqueous solutions of Na₂CO₃ and CaCl₂ are mixed is ________. A)2Na⁺(aq)+ CO₃^2-(aq)→ Na₂CO₃ (aq) B)2Na⁺ (aq)+ 2Cl^- (aq)→ 2NaCl (aq) C)Na⁺ (aq)+ Cl^- (aq)→ NaCl (aq) D)Ca⁺(aq)+ CO₃^2- (aq)→ CaCO₃ (s) E)Na₂CO₃ (aq)+ Ca (aq)→ 2NaCl (aq)+ CaCO₃ (s)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For the precipitation reaction to occur, the ions that combine to form the precipitate must be aqueous and have opposite charges. CaCl2 dissociates into Ca2+ and Cl- ions, while Na2CO3 dissociates into 2Na+ and CO32- ions. Ca2+ and CO32- ions combine to form the insoluble compound CaCO3. The net ionic equation for this precipitation reaction is:

Ca2+(aq) + CO32-(aq) → CaCO3(s)

The only choice that represents this net ionic equation is D, so the correct answer is D.

The Balanced Net Ionic Equation for the Precipitation of Calcium