Question

What is the net ionic equation that occurs when zinc nitrate and lithium phosphate are mixed together in water? A precipitate of zinc phosphate is formed.
I understand how to get the net ionic equation, but the first step of writing the equation is what's confusing me.

Answer 1

The equation that I have right now is:
\[Zn NO _{3} + Li PO _{4}\rightarrow Zn PO _{4}\]
How do I balance this equation when Lithium and Nitrate aren't on the products side of the equation?

Answer 2

But they are present, they're just not a precipitate.

\(\sf Zn(NO_3)_2+Li_3PO_4\rightarrow Zn_3(PO_4)_2+LiNO_3\)

When you write these equations, make sure you write a label for it's state in solution,

(aq), (s), (g) etc.

Answer 3

Do you mind explaining to me the changes you made to the equation? I don't know why I'm having so much trouble with this..

Answer 4

You need to know the charges of polyatomic ions and balance these appropriately - focus on that and this will be easy

Answer 5

For example, the charge on \(PO_4^{-3}\) is 3- and for \(Li^+\) is just 1+

so to balance the charges you need 3 \(Li^+\) and one \(PO_4^{-3}\)

so you get \(Li_3PO_4\)

Answer 6

OK, so for \[Zn ^{2+} PO _{4}^{3-}\]
you find the least common multiple of the two charges and are left with \[Zn _{3} (PO _{4}) _{2}\]
Thank you! You've been the greatest help!