Final answer:
A net ionic equation shows only the particles directly involved in the chemical change in a solution, excluding spectator ions. This allows us to focus on the essential chemistry taking place.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation for a reaction in solution, showing only those particles that are directly involved in the chemical change, is called a net ionic equation. This equation focuses on the species that undergo a chemical change and excludes spectator ions, which are ions that do not participate in the reaction. By eliminating spectator ions, the net ionic equation allows us to focus on the essential chemistry taking place in the solution.