Question

Which describes a spectator ion:
a) They are freely dissociated ions that are not consumed during the reaction
b) They are excess reactants that are not consumed during a raction.

-I find the definitions are too similar for me to pick one.

Answer 1

I would choose a) the spectators doesn't participate in the reaction, they are in the same amount in the reactants as in the products. They are not consumed neither produced by the reaction.

Answer 2

Thank you!