Question

what is the net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium nitrate and sodium sulfate? ca(no₃)₂ + na₂so₄ → caso₄ + 2nano₃ no reaction exists ca²⁺ + 2no₃⁻ + 2na⁺ + so₄²⁻ → caso₄ + 2na⁺ + no₃⁻ ca²⁺ + so₄²⁻ → caso₄

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the reactants and their dissociation

Calcium nitrate ($\ce{Ca(NO3)2}$) dissociates into $\ce{Ca^{2+}}$ and $\ce{2NO3^-}$, and sodium sulfate ($\ce{Na2SO4}$) dissociates into $\ce{2Na^+}$ and $\ce{SO4^{2-}}$. So the total ionic equation before canceling spectator ions is $\ce{Ca^{2+} + 2NO3^- + 2Na^+ + SO4^{2-} -> CaSO4 + 2Na^+ + 2NO3^-}$ (note: the third option had a typo in the number of $\ce{NO3^-}$ on the product side, it should be $2\ce{NO3^-}$).

Step2: Cancel spectator ions

Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the equation. Here, $\ce{Na^+}$ and $\ce{NO3^-}$ are spectator ions. Canceling them, we get the net ionic equation: $\ce{Ca^{2+} + SO4^{2-} -> CaSO4}$.

Answer:

$\boldsymbol{\ce{Ca^{2+} + SO4^{2-} -> CaSO4}}$ (the fourth option: $\ce{Ca^{2+} + SO4^{2-} -> CaSO4}$)