Answer to Question #139846 in Biology for Johannes Steven

Question

1. Insoluble salts are often by precipitation reactions.

(a) copy and complete the following precipitation reaction equation.

Mg(NO3)2 + K3PO4 =

(b) Derive a net ionic equation of the reaction (a).
(c) Give the name of precipitate (product).
(d) Based on redox type of reactions, define the meaning of the term “spectator ions”

Answer 1

(a) 3Mg(NO₃)₂ + 2K₃PO₄ = Mg₃(PO₄)₂ + 6KNO₃

(b) 3Mg²⁺ + 6NO^3- + 6K⁺ + 2PO₄^3- = Mg₃(PO₄)₂ + 6K⁺ + 6NO^3-

From here, net ionic equation is as following:

3Mg²⁺ + 2PO₄^3- = Mg₃(PO₄)₂

(c) Trimagnesium phosphate

(d) Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in the reaction and are present in the solution without changing their form. Here, K⁺ and NO^3- are spectator ions.