What is the spectator ion and net ionic equation of Zn(s)+Ag_2SO_4(aq)->ZnSO_4(aq)+2Ag(s)?

1 Answer
May 23, 2017

only sulfate SO_4^(2-) is a spectator ion
Zn is oxidised to Zn^(2+) in this reaction

Explanation:

sulfate remains as SO_4^(2-) throughout this reaction, so is chemically unchanged, so is a "spectator" in the transfer of electrons (otherwise known as chemistry!)
Zn begins the reaction as elemental Zinc (Zn^0) and ends the reaction as Zn^(2+) , so loses 2 electrons, so oxidation.
Ag begins the reaction as ionic Ag (Ag^(1+)) and ends the reactions as elemental Silver (Ag^0), so gains 1 electron, so reduced.