2Ag⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) -> 2AgCl(s)
Silver nitrate and calcium chloride will react in a double displacement reaction (which has to produce a precipitate, a gas, or water to have a reaction).
This reaction will produce a silver chloride precipitate and a solution of calcium nitrate.
The reaction will be 2AgNO3(aq) + CaCl2(aq) -> 2AgCl(s) + Ca(NO3)2(aq)
To write a net ionic equation:
1. Write the balanced molecular equation.
2AgNO3 + CaCl2 -> 2AgCl(ppt) + Ca(NO3)2
2. Write the balanced complete ionic equation.
To write the complete ionic equation:
- Start with a balanced molecular equation.
2AgNO3(aq) + CaCl2(aq) -> 2AgCl(s) + Ca(NO3)2(aq)
- Break all soluble strong electrolytes (compounds with (aq) beside them) into their ions
indicate the correct formula and charge of each ion
indicate the correct number of each ion
write (aq) after each ion
- Bring down all compounds with (s), (l), or (g) unchanged.
2Ag⁺(aq) + 2NO³⁻(aq) + Ca²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) -> 2AgCl(s) + Ca²⁺(aq) + 2NO³⁻(aq)
3. Cross out the spectator ions that are present. Spectator ions are ions that are present in the reaction mixture but do not participate in it. You can recognize spectator ions by looking for ions that are present on both sides of the equation.
4. Write the "leftovers" as the net ionic equation.
2Ag⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) -> 2AgCl(s)
