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Ionic Equations

Some equations can be simplified by considering the ions present.In the following equationZn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → Cu(s) + ZnSO4(aq)The equation with the ions shown is:Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) → Cu(s) + Zn2+(aq) + SO42-(aq)The aqueous sulfate ion SO42-(aq) appears unchanged in the reaction and is called a spectator ion. The spectator ion can be left out of the ionic equation.The full (net) ionic equation is:Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Cu(s) + Zn2+(aq)
The half ionic equations show the transfer of electrons:Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e-Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s)

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Specification: AQA Chemistry (7404), AS-level, 3.1.2.5 Balanced equations and associated calculations. Topic: Amount of Substance.

Key terms in this lesson

Half equation
An equation that shows only the oxidation or only the reduction part of a redox reaction, including the electrons transferred.

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