Copyright

Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of ammonia and...

Question:

Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of ammonia and hydrocyanic acid are combined.

Acid and Base Reactions:

Ammonia is a weak base. This makes it a proton acceptor. When ammonia accepts a proton it becomes the ammonium cation. As an acid, hydrocyanic acid is a proton donor. The reaction that occurs between them is an exchange of the proton.

Answer and Explanation: 1

For a net ionic reaction, anything that is soluble is shown as aqueous. Hydrocyanic acid is a weak acid with a very low acid dissociation constant. When it is dissolved in water it is mostly present as HCN and not dissociated. What is formed by the reaction is ammonium cyanide which is soluble so is shown in the dissociated form:

{eq}HCN(aq)\:+\:NH_3(aq) \rightarrow CN^-(aq)\:+\:NH_4^+(aq) {/eq}


Learn more about this topic:

Loading...
Acids and Bases

from

Chapter 2 / Lesson 10
46K

Acids are substances that contribute molecules, while bases are substances that can accept them. Learn how to define acids and bases, explore the pH scale, and discover how to find pH values.


Related to this Question

Explore our homework questions and answers library