Fundamental M #9

[Timothy Li 3A]

Could someone explain part a) of this problem? Are we expected to know how to write net ionic equations?

[Lily Jiang 3K]

you first need to write the balanced chemical equation:
Cu(NO3)2 + 2NaOH --> Cu(OH)2 + 2NaNO3

next, break the equation into its ionic components based on solubility rules (the complete ionic equation):
Cu²⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2OH⁻(aq) -> Cu(OH)₂(s) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2NO₃⁻(aq)

finally, spectator ions are removed to produce the net ionic equation:
Cu²⁺ + 2OH⁻ -> Cu(OH)2(s)

And yes, I think knowing how to write net ionic equations is a fundamental skill to have.