In the reaction between FeCl_3 and NaOH in aqueous solution, which of the following are the spectator ions?

• A. Fe^{3+} and Cl^-
• B. Fe^{3+} and OH^-
• C. Na^+ and OH^-
• D. Na^+ and Cl^-

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction between FeCl\_3 and NaOH in aqueous solution. This involves FeCl\_3 reacting with NaOH to form Fe(OH)\_3 (a precipitate) and NaCl in solution.
2. Identify the ions present in the solution before the reaction: Fe^{3+}, Cl^-, Na^+, and OH^-.
3. Determine which ions participate in the formation of the precipitate. Fe^{3+} reacts with OH^- to form Fe(OH)\_3, so these ions are not spectators.
4. Identify the ions that do not change during the reaction and remain dissolved in the solution unchanged. These are the spectator ions.
5. Conclude that Na^+ and Cl^- ions remain in solution without participating in the reaction, so they are the spectator ions.