Question

What are the spectator ions in the reaction between aqueous hydrobromic acid and aqueous sodium hydroxide?

A. H+ and OH–
B. Na+ only
C. Br– only
D. Na+ and Br–
E. H+, Br–, Na+, and OH–

Answer 1

Solution

Let's write a balanced net ionic equation of this reaction:

HBr + NaOH → NaBr + H₂O;

H⁺ + Br^- + Na⁺ + OH^- → Na⁺ + Br^- + H₂O;

H⁺ + OH^- → H₂O;

Spectator ions - is ions, which are unchanged during the reaction, so they do not appear in a net ionic equation.

So, the right answer is D.

Answer

The right answer is D. Na⁺ and Br^–