Question

does a reaction occur when aqueous solutions of potassium carbonate and aluminum bromide are combined? if a reaction does occur, write the net ionic equation. (use the solubility rules provided in the owl preparation page to determine the solubility of compounds. be sure to specify states such as (aq) or (s). if a box is not needed leave it blank.) 8 more group attempts remaining. use the references to access important values if needed for this question.

Explanation:

Step1: Write the chemical formulas

Potassium carbonate is $K_2CO_3$ and aluminum bromide is $AlBr_3$. The possible reaction is a double - displacement reaction. The general form of a double - displacement reaction is $AB + CD
ightarrow AD+CB$. So the products would be $KBr$ and $Al_2(CO_3)_3$.

Step2: Check solubility rules

According to solubility rules, most potassium salts ($K^+$) are soluble. Potassium bromide ($KBr$) is soluble. Carbonates ($CO_3^{2 -}$) are generally insoluble, and aluminum carbonate ($Al_2(CO_3)_3$) is insoluble. Since a precipitate ($Al_2(CO_3)_3$) is formed, a reaction occurs.

Step3: Write the balanced molecular equation

$3K_2CO_3(aq)+2AlBr_3(aq)
ightarrow 6KBr(aq)+Al_2(CO_3)_3(s)$

Step4: Write the total ionic equation

$6K^+(aq)+3CO_3^{2 -}(aq)+2Al^{3 +}(aq)+6Br^-(aq)
ightarrow 6K^+(aq)+6Br^-(aq)+Al_2(CO_3)_3(s)$

Step5: Write the net ionic equation

Cancel out the spectator ions ($K^+$ and $Br^-$). The net ionic equation is $2Al^{3 +}(aq)+3CO_3^{2 -}(aq)
ightarrow Al_2(CO_3)_3(s)$

Answer:

Yes
$2Al^{3 +}(aq)+3CO_3^{2 -}(aq)
ightarrow Al_2(CO_3)_3(s)$