Total Ionic Equation
Definition and meaning of Total Ionic Equation in chemistry.
A total ionic equation is a chemical equation for an aqueous reaction that shows all the soluble strong electrolytes in their dissociated ionic forms.
In more detail
In aqueous solutions, strong electrolytes such as soluble salts, strong acids, and strong bases dissociate completely into their constituent ions. Writing these substances as separate individual ions provides a much more accurate and realistic representation of the particles actually present in the reaction mixture. Spectator ions, which are ions that do not participate directly in the actual chemical change, are included in this complete equation but can later be removed to form the more simplified net ionic equation. By illustrating every ion, chemists can better visualize the entire chemical environment of the solution.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Represents all ions present in a reaction mixture |
| Key Feature | Includes both reacting ions and spectator ions |
The total ionic equation for the reaction between aqueous sodium chloride and aqueous silver nitrate is written as: Na+ (aq) + Cl- (aq) + Ag+ (aq) + NO3- (aq) -> AgCl (s) + Na+ (aq) + NO3- (aq). In this reaction, solid silver chloride precipitates out of the solution, while sodium and nitrate ions remain fully dissolved as spectator ions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a total ionic equation and a net ionic equation?
A total ionic equation includes all ions present in the solution, whereas a net ionic equation removes the spectator ions that do not participate in the chemical reaction.