Which of the following statements correctly defines spectator ions in a complete ionic equation?

• A. Spectator ions are ions that do not participate in the chemical reaction and remain unchanged on both sides of the equation.
• B. Spectator ions are ions that form precipitates during the reaction.
• C. Spectator ions are ions that undergo oxidation or reduction during the reaction.
• D. Spectator ions are ions that are produced only on the product side of the equation.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a complete ionic equation represents. It shows all the ions present in a reaction mixture, including those that participate in the reaction and those that do not.
2. Step 2: Identify the ions that change during the reaction. These ions either form new compounds, precipitates, or undergo oxidation/reduction.
3. Step 3: Recognize that spectator ions are those ions that appear unchanged on both the reactant and product sides of the complete ionic equation.
4. Step 4: Note that spectator ions do not participate in the actual chemical change; they remain dissolved in solution and do not form precipitates or new substances.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct definition of spectator ions is: ions that do not participate in the chemical reaction and remain unchanged on both sides of the equation.