Net Ionic Equations
Show only the species that actually react.
About this topic
A net ionic equation shows only the species that actually change in a reaction, leaving out spectator ions. To write one: write the balanced molecular equation with states, split strong electrolytes (soluble ionic compounds, strong acids and bases) into ions to get the complete ionic equation, cancel the ions that appear unchanged on both sides, and rewrite what remains.
Weak electrolytes, solids, liquids and gases are not split. For silver nitrate and sodium chloride, the molecular equation is AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) gives AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq). The complete ionic equation has Ag+, NO3-, Na+ and Cl- on the left, and AgCl(s), Na+ and NO3- on the right. Sodium and nitrate ions are spectators, so the net ionic equation is Ag+(aq) + Cl-(aq) gives AgCl(s). Charge and atoms must still balance.
Net ionic equations reveal the essence of a reaction: all strong acid-strong base neutralisations reduce to H+(aq) + OH-(aq) gives H2O(l). They are used to analyse water for contaminants and understand reactions in biology and the environment.
Common mistakes include splitting insoluble compounds or weak acids such as acetic acid, forgetting charges, and cancelling ions that are not identical on both sides. If everything cancels, no reaction occurs.
Key ideas
- Dissociate strong electrolytes
- Cancel spectator ions
- Reveal the real chemistry
Quick check
Use cases: where Net Ionic Equations helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Net Ionic Equations before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Net Ionic Equations without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Net Ionic Equations changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Net Ionic Equations in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Chemistry explains medicine, food, cleaning products, fuels and building materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is Net Ionic Equations?
Show only the species that actually react.
What will I learn in Net Ionic Equations?
Dissociate strong electrolytes. Cancel spectator ions. Reveal the real chemistry.
Is Net Ionic Equations part of Chemistry?
Yes. It is one of 150 Chemistry topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Net Ionic Equations lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Net Ionic Equations?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.