Writing Chemical Equations for Reactions in Solution: Molecular and Complete Ionic Equations

• A molecular equation is an equation showing the complete neutral formulas for every compound in the reaction.

AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)

• Complete ionic equations show aqueous ionic compounds that normally dissociate in solution as they are actually present in solution.

Ag+(aq) + NO3−(aq) + Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq) →

AgCl(s) + Na+(aq) + NO3–(aq)

• When writing complete ionic equations, separate only aqueous ionic compounds into their constituent ions.

• Do NOT separate solid, liquid, or gaseous compounds.