Question

Which species acts exclusively as spectator ions in this reaction

Answer 1

Answer:

K^+ and NO3^-

Explanation:

In a balanced ionic equation, we usually see the species that react to yield the main product in the reaction.

Consider the reaction;

Pb(NO3)2(aq) +2 KI(aq) -------> PbI2(s) + 2KNO3(aq)

The main product in this reaction is PbI2. Hence the balanced ionic equation is;

Pb^2+(aq) + 2I^-(aq) ------> PbI2(s)

Notice that K^+ and NO3^- did not participate in this reaction. All ions that are part of the molecular equation but do not participate in the ionic reaction equation are called spectator ions. Hence K^+ and NO3^- are spectator ions in this reaction as can be seen clearly above.