Spectator Ions?

[Rhiannon Imbeah 2I]

In a section on salts as acids and bases, the elements Na and Cl were referred to as spectator ions? Is there a specific definition for spectator ions or is this simply a colloquial term?
Thank you.

[Chem_Mod]

Spectator ions are ions which do not participate in the chemical process which you are talking about. For this topic, they will be ions which do not play role in acid-base equilibria.

[Rhiannon Imbeah 2I]

Oh ok. Would this also include the cations that are from groups 1 and 2 on the periodic table?

[Laura Rabichow 1J]

Na+ is a group 1 cation, so yes.

[Chem_Mod]

Generally yes. But I think Be²⁺ is an exception because I found that Be²⁺_(aq) + 4H₂O _(l)-> Be(OH)_2(s) + 2H₃O⁺_(aq).

[Rhiannon Imbeah 2I]

Thank you!