Question

Write complete ionic equation to show the reaction of aqueous lead(II) nitrate with aqueous potassium sulfate to form solid lead(II) sulfate and aqueous potassium nitrate.

Answer 1

Explanation: Reaction when aqueous lead (II) nitrate reacts with aqueous potassium sulfate to produce solid lead(II) sulfate and aqueous potassium nitrate is:

$Pb(NO_3)_2(aq.)+K_2SO_4(aq.)\rightarrow PbSO_4(s)+2KNO_3(aq.)$

Ionic equation for the above chemical reaction is:

$Pb^{2+}(aq.)+2NO_3^-(aq.)+2K^+(aq.)+SO_4^{2-}(aq.)\rightarrow PbSO_4(s)+2K^+(aq.)+2NO_3^-(aq.)$

Solid $PbSO_4$ does not break down because it does not interact with the water molecules.

Net ionic equation for the above reaction is:

$Pb^{2+}(aq.)+SO_4^{2-}\rightarrow PbSO_4(s)$

Answer 2

Balanced chemical reaction:  

Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + K₂SO₄(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2KNO₃(aq).

Ionic reaction:

Pb²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2K⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2K⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq).

Net ionic reaction:

Pb²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s).

(s) means solid (not dissolved in water).

According to principle of mass conservation, number of atoms must be equal on both side of balanced chemical reaction.