Question

question 4 of 10
what are the spectator ions in $\ce{mg(s) + zn^{2+} + 2no^{-}_{3} -> mg^{2+} + 2no^{-}_{3} + zn(s)}$ ?
\\(\bigcirc\\) a. \\(\ce{zn^{2+}}\\) and \\(\ce{mg^{2+}}\\)
\\(\bigcirc\\) b. \\(\ce{mg(s)}\\) and \\(\ce{zn(s)})
\\(\bigcirc\\) c. \\(\ce{no^{-}_{3}}\\), \\(\ce{zn^{2+}}\\), and \\(\ce{mg^{2+}}\\)
\\(\bigcirc\\) d. \\(\ce{no^{-}_{3}}\\)

Explanation:

Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in a chemical reaction and remain unchanged on both sides of the equation. In the given reaction, \( \text{NO}_3^- \) appears on both the reactant and product sides with the same charge and quantity, while \( \text{Zn}^{2+} \) is consumed (reactant) and \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \) is produced (product), so they are not spectators. \( \text{Mg}(s) \) and \( \text{Zn}(s) \) are solids, not ions. Thus, only \( \text{NO}_3^- \) is a spectator ion.

Answer:

D. \( \text{NO}_3^- \)