Which of the following are the spectator ions in the reaction between aqueous solutions of Na2CO3 and AgNO3?

• A. Ag^+ and NO3^-
• B. Na^+ and NO3^-
• C. Na^+ and CO3^{2-}
• D. Ag^+ and CO3^{2-}

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions present in the aqueous solutions before the reaction. Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) dissociates into 2 Na^+ and CO3^{2-}, and silver nitrate (AgNO3) dissociates into Ag^+ and NO3^- ions.
2. Write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction between Na2CO3 and AgNO3, which typically forms a precipitate of Ag2CO3 and leaves NaNO3 in solution.
3. Write the complete ionic equation by expressing all strong electrolytes as their ions: 2 Na^+ + CO3^{2-} + 2 Ag^+ + 2 NO3^- → Ag2CO3 (solid) + 2 Na^+ + 2 NO3^-.
4. Identify the spectator ions by finding ions that appear unchanged on both sides of the complete ionic equation. These ions do not participate in the formation of the precipitate.
5. Conclude that the spectator ions are Na^+ and NO3^- because they remain dissolved in solution and do not form the precipitate.