Write the balanced molecular and net ionic equations for each of the following neutralization reactions: (c) Aqueous nitric acid and aqueous ammonia react.

Key Concepts

Neutralization Reactions

Neutralization reactions occur when an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt. In this process, the hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid combine with hydroxide ions (OH-) from the base to form water (H2O). Understanding this concept is crucial for writing balanced equations, as it highlights the fundamental interaction between acids and bases.

Balanced Molecular Equations

A balanced molecular equation represents the reactants and products of a chemical reaction with their respective coefficients, ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides. For the reaction between nitric acid and ammonia, it is essential to correctly identify the products formed and balance the equation to reflect the conservation of mass.

Net Ionic Equations

Net ionic equations focus on the species that actually participate in the reaction, omitting spectator ions that do not change during the reaction. To derive the net ionic equation for the neutralization of nitric acid and ammonia, one must first write the complete ionic equation and then eliminate the spectator ions, highlighting the essential chemical changes occurring in the reaction.