Question

Identify the spectator ions in the reaction between sodium phosphate and cobalt(II) sulfate.

Answer 1

Answer: sodium and sulphate ions.

Explanation:

Spectator ions are defined as the ions which does not get involved in a chemical equation or they are ions which are found on both the sides of the chemical reaction present in ionic form.

The given chemical equation is:

$2Na_3PO_4(aq)+3CoSO_4(aq)\rightarrow 3Na_2SO_4(aq)+Co_3(PO_4)_2(s)$

The ionic equation is:

$6Na^+(aq)+2PO_4^{3-}(aq)+3Co^{2+}(aq)+3SO_4^{2-}(aq)\rightarrow 6Na^+(aq)+3SO_4^{2-}(aq)+Co_3(PO_4)_2(s)$

The ions which are present on both the sides of the equation are sodium and sulphate ions and hence are spectator ions.