Spectator Ions?

[hasanein4u]

Could anybody please explain the idea of spectator ions and how does it relate to Q75 in the destroyer GC? I mean why we considered Na as spectator ion in this question?

The question is about measuring the PH of NaCN... and he cancelled the Na and reacted CN with water to get HCN and OH-
My idea is spectator ion will be dissolved in water so it won't be part of the reaction... so all the members of Groip IA are spectator ions in addition to NH3, NO3, ClO4 and acetate?

I am confused about it... any explanations?

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[LaughingGas]

Not sure if you watched Chad's videos (if you didn't I think you should). He specifically mentions which ions/molecules are neutral (not changing pH), acidic or basic.I think group 1A and 2A are neutral if I recall correctly, so doesn't change pH. CN on the other hand, is basic, since produces OH in the product, or lowers the concentration of H+,thus increasing pH.
Here is a list of ions/molecules that are neutral, acidic and basic.
Salt acidity

 

[hasanein4u]

Not sure if you watched Chad's videos (if you didn't I think you should). He specifically mentions which ions/molecules are neutral (not changing pH), acidic or basic.I think group 1A and 2A are neutral if I recall correctly, so doesn't change pH. CN on the other hand, is basic, since produces OH in the product, or lowers the concentration of H+,thus increasing pH.
Here is a list of ions/molecules that are neutral, acidic and basic.
Salt acidity

Yes I watched Chad... I got what you mean
so those who are neutral (the exceptions that chad mentioned) are the spectator ions since they do not affect the PH... right?

 

[LaughingGas]

Yes... sorry forgot to mention that part lol. Since its talking about pH, it must be a rxn which changes concentration of H+. Na doesn't participate in the reaction with water, so that's why is a spectator ion