Question #9672f

1 Answer
Nov 4, 2016

This is a disguised double replacement reaction.

Explanation:

At first glance, it looks like a synthesis reaction, in which two substances combine to form a new substance.

The problem is that you can't have individual containers of Ca2+ and of CO2-3.

These ions must be paired with other ions in their containers to balance the charges.

For example, you might have one container of Ca(NO3)2 and another of Na2CO3.

Even if you mixed these with each other, there would be no reaction because ionic compounds are solids.

You have to get the ions into solution so they can come into contact with each other.

The reaction will be

Ca(NO3)2(aq)+Na2CO3(aq)CaCO3(s)+2NaNO3(aq)

This is a double replacement reaction of the type

AB + CD → CB + AD

The net ionic equation for the reaction is really

Ca2+(aq)+CO2-3(aq)CaCO3(s)