Question

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

Answer 1

Answer: sodium and sulphate ions.

Step-by-step 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.