Question

Identify spectator ions for the reaction between K3PO4 (aq) (potassium phosphate) and Fe(NO3)2 (aq) (iron (II) nitrate)

Answer 1

Answer: The spectator ions are potassium and nitrate ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Net ionic equation of any reaction does not include any spectator ions.

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

The chemical equation for the reaction of iron (II) nitrate and potassium phosphate is given as:

`3Fe(NO_3)_2(aq.)+2K_3PO_4(aq.)\rightarrow Fe_3(PO_4)_2(s)+6KNO_3(aq.)`

Ionic form of the above equation follows:

`3Fe^(2+)(aq.)+6NO_3^-(aq.)+6K^+(aq.)+2PO_4^(3-)(aq.)\rightarrow Fe_2(PO_4)_3+6K^+(aq.)+6NO_3^-(aq.)`

As, potassium and nitrate ions are present on both the sides of the reaction. Thus, it will not be present in the net ionic equation and are spectator ions.

The net ionic equation for the above reaction follows:

`3Fe^(2+)(aq.)+2PO_4^(3-)(aq.)\rightarrow Fe_3(PO_4)_2(s)`

Hence, the spectator ions are potassium and nitrate ions.