Problem 14.119- Sixth Edition

[Kate_Santoso_4F]

One stage in the extraction of gold from rocks involves dissolving the metal from the rock with a basic solution of sodium cyanide that has been thoroughly aerated. This stage results in the formation of soluble Au(CN)2- ions. The next stage is to reduce gold to the metal by the addition of zinc dust,
forming Zn(CN)4^2-. Write the balanced equations for the half reactions and the overall redox equation for both stages.

I know that Na+, CN-, and Au(CN)2- are spectator ions and they are not included in the redox reactions. However, how do you know where they go in the net ionic equations? What should be the thought process here? Would this be a far question on the final? Thanks

[Chem_Mod]

If something is a spectator ion, that means that it will be on both sides of the ionic equation because nothing is chemically happening to it. You would likely not see something this complicated on the final, but should be able to understand the concepts behind it.