[hya_been]

When do you use ionic and net ionic equations? (Are they only for precipitate reactions?)

[xiankai]

when the net reaction is too complex and u want to see what actually happens in the reaction. they are not limited to precipitate reactions only.

for eg.

5 H2O2 + 2 KMnO4 + 3 H2SO4 -> K2SO4 + 2 MnSO4 + 8 H2O + 5 O2

it would be a pain to balance everything, and u still wouldnt understand what actually happened in the reaction. the net ionic equation is:

5(O2)2- + 2Mn7+ + 16H+ + 8(O)2- --> 2Mn2+ + 5O2 + 8H2O

-edit- forgot to add what happens to the peroxide

which is must easier to understand.

[hya_been]

Thanks.