ON A TIMER Consider the reaction below. *Image* Which is the net ionic equation for the reaction?

C2H3O2^-(aq) + H^+ —> HC2H3O2

Explanation:

The following equation was given in the question:

Na^+ + C2H3O2^-(aq) + H^+ Cl^- —> Na^+ + Cl^- + HC2H3O2

Now, to obtain the net ionic equation, we simply cancel out the ions common to both side of the equation.

A careful observation of the equation above, shows that sodium ion, Na^+ and chloride ion, Cl^- are common to both side of the equation.

Therefore, to obtain the net ionic equation, we simply cancel out Na^+ and Cl^- from both side of the equation. This is illustrated below:

Na^+ + C2H3O2^-(aq) + H^+ Cl^- —> Na^+ + Cl^- + HC2H3O2

C2H3O2^-(aq) + H^+ —> HC2H3O2

Therefore, the net ionic equation is

C2H3O2^-(aq) + H^+ —> HC2H3O2