[StillLearning]

Can someone explain how to determine a total ionic equation?  My book does not explain this well AT ALL.

Any help woud be much appreciated. 

[Borek]

You mean total ionic as opposed to net ionic? You write all compounds taking part in the reaction in ionic form, that's all.

[StillLearning]

You mean total ionic as opposed to net ionic? You write all compounds taking part in the reaction in ionic form, that's all.

Ok, so for example if I had KCl then I would break that down to K+ and Cl-? 

[StillLearning]

Another question.  In the following total ionic equation, why isn't the sulfate (SO4) broken down into Sulfur and Oxygen ions?

2Na1+(aq) + SO42-(aq) + Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl1-(aq) -----> 2Na1+(aq) + 2Cl1-(aq) + BaSO4(s)

[Borek]

Ok, so for example if I had KCl then I would break that down to K+ and Cl-?

Yes.

Another question.  In the following total ionic equation, why isn't the sulfate (SO4) broken down into Sulfur and Oxygen ions?

2Na1+(aq) + SO42-(aq) + Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl1-(aq) -----> 2Na1+(aq) + 2Cl1-(aq) + BaSO4(s)

SO₄^2- is very stable and it doesn't decompose further during dissociation.

[StillLearning]

Ok, so for example if I had KCl then I would break that down to K+ and Cl-?

Yes.

Another question.  In the following total ionic equation, why isn't the sulfate (SO4) broken down into Sulfur and Oxygen ions?

2Na1+(aq) + SO42-(aq) + Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl1-(aq) -----> 2Na1+(aq) + 2Cl1-(aq) + BaSO4(s)

SO₄^2- is very stable and it doesn't decompose further during dissociation.

Is there a general rule of thumb to determine which compounds do not decompose further during dissociation?

Sorry for all the questions but i'm really struggling with this concept.  I really appreciate your help. 

[enahs]

You mean which are soluble and insoluble in water?

There is probably a chart in your book that will list common ions and help you predict, it comes down to learning that and experience.

[StillLearning]

You mean which are soluble and insoluble in water?

There is probably a chart in your book that will list common ions and help you predict, it comes down to learning that and experience.

Pardon my ignorance please.  So what you're saying is that it comes down to knowing the common ions?  And since sulfate is a common ion then it doesnt need to be broken down further when writing the total ionic equation?

And what is the significance of solubility regarding total ionic equations?   

[NighStalker]

in an ionic equation u are writing everything in its state as an ion, as SO4 is a polyatomic ION, not a regular compound, so u cannot break it up into 2 ions, since it is already an ion and it contains a charge!

[Borek]

So what you're saying is that it comes down to knowing the common ions?  And since sulfate is a common ion then it doesnt need to be broken down further when writing the total ionic equation?

To some extent that's right. Part of the basic chemistry is about remembering common ions and their charges.

[StillLearning]

I think i'm understanding this a little more.  Thanks to everyone who helped with this.