What is the net ionic equation of the reaction of MgSO4 with Pb(NO3)2?

• A. Pb^2+ (aq) + SO4^2- (aq) → PbSO4 (s)
• B. Pb^2+ (aq) + 2NO3^- (aq) → Pb(NO3)2 (s)
• C. MgSO4 (aq) + Pb(NO3)2 (aq) → Mg(NO3)2 (aq) + PbSO4 (s)
• D. Mg^2+ (aq) + 2NO3^- (aq) → Mg(NO3)2 (aq)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the given chemical reaction: MgSO4 and Pb(NO3)2 are the reactants, while Mg(NO3)2 and PbSO4 are the products.
2. Write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction: MgSO4 (aq) + Pb(NO3)2 (aq) → Mg(NO3)2 (aq) + PbSO4 (s).
3. Determine the states of each compound: MgSO4 and Pb(NO3)2 are aqueous, Mg(NO3)2 is aqueous, and PbSO4 is a solid precipitate.
4. Break down the aqueous compounds into their respective ions: MgSO4 (aq) dissociates into Mg^2+ (aq) and SO4^2- (aq); Pb(NO3)2 (aq) dissociates into Pb^2+ (aq) and 2NO3^- (aq).
5. Identify and cancel out the spectator ions that appear on both sides of the equation: Mg^2+ (aq) and NO3^- (aq) are spectator ions. Write the net ionic equation with the remaining ions: Pb^2+ (aq) + SO4^2- (aq) → PbSO4 (s).