Hello,
In finding spectator ions in a chemical reaction, the examples I was given were complex equations with reactants that were translated directly to the product side without combining or decaying. On the homework, the equation is simple and I'm not sure of the definition. Are spectator ions all ions that aren't involved in the net ionic equation? Or if it's a double displacement equation, are there no spectator ions? Here is my example:
Pb(NO3)2(aq) + NaSo4(aq) ---> PbSo4(s) + 2NaNO3(aq)
Are Na and NO3 spectator ions?
The net ionic equation is 1Pb2+ + 1SO4 2- = PbSO4
Additionally, the sum of the coefficients on the product side: 16?