spectator ion

[ScratchMan]

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could you explain following question? I do not understand why the answer is Ca^2+ and SO4^2-

Thanks.

 

[Ibraiz]

could you explain following question? I do not understand why the answer is Ca^2+ and SO4^2-

Thanks.

This is how I look at these kinds of problems in which it is given if its in aqueous, solid, liquid, or gaseous forms.

I look at the ones that are in aqueous form. Every compound/ion that is in aqueous form is the spectator ion.

This may not be the correct way to deal with these types of problems but it seems easy to me. I may be wrong. Please anyone feel free to correct me. There are a lot of knowledgeable people using this forum that will hopefully provide a better explanation about this.

 

[ScratchMan]

Thx Ibraiz. How do you make sure ALL compound/ions that are in aqueous form could be the spectator ion??
As we know, a spectator ion is not changed in both sides (reactant/product) so that it can be omitted from the reaction equation.

Still confused.....

 

[UndergradGuy7]

Anything that is aq can separate. (g), (l), and (s) do not separate.

So Ca(HSO3)2(aq) + H2SO4 (aq) -> SO2(g) + H2O(l) + CaSO4(aq)

(Ca^2+) + (2 HSO3^-) + (2H^+) + (SO4^2-) - > SO2(g) + H2O(l) + (Ca^2+) + (SO4^2-)

So the ions that split and that are present on both sides, they are the spectator ions. Ca^2+ and SO4^2-.

 

[ScratchMan]

Make sense. Thanks a lot!!