Enter a chemical reaction
Use spaces around separator plus signs. Write larger ionic charges with caret notation, such as Fe^3+.
Recent calculations
Formula used
A net ionic equation removes unchanged aqueous spectator ions. Strong electrolytes split into their component ions. Solids, liquids, gases, and weak electrolytes remain together.
How to use
- Enter a complete molecular equation with physical states.
- Choose automatic balancing or keep entered coefficients.
- Select basic or advanced calculation controls.
- Calculate and review each displayed ionic step.
- Copy, print, or export the verified solution.
Solubility and electrolyte reference
| Rule | Typical result | Common exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrates and alkali salts | Usually soluble | Few introductory exceptions |
| Chlorides, bromides, iodides | Usually soluble | Ag+, Pb2+, and Hg2^2+ |
| Sulfates | Usually soluble | Ba2+, Pb2+, Sr2+, and some Ca2+ |
| Carbonates and phosphates | Usually insoluble | Alkali metals and NH4+ |
| Hydroxides | Usually insoluble | Alkali metals and heavier alkaline earths |
| Strong acids and bases | Split when aqueous | Weak electrolytes stay molecular |
Example data
| Molecular reaction | Expected net ionic result |
|---|---|
| AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) | Ag+(aq) + Cl-(aq) → AgCl(s) |
| BaCl2(aq) + Na2SO4(aq) | Ba2+(aq) + SO4^2-(aq) → BaSO4(s) |
| HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) | H+(aq) + OH-(aq) → H2O(l) |
| NaNO3(aq) + KCl(aq) | No net ionic reaction |
Frequently asked questions
What is a net ionic equation?
It shows only particles undergoing chemical change. Unchanged spectator ions are omitted. States and charges remain important.
Why are physical states required?
States determine whether substances dissociate. Aqueous strong electrolytes usually split. Solids and liquids generally remain intact.
What are spectator ions?
Spectator ions appear unchanged on both sides. They do not drive the reaction. The calculator cancels matching quantities.
Can the calculator balance equations?
Yes, automatic balancing uses atom conservation. Manual mode checks entered coefficients. Positive whole numbers are required.
How are weak electrolytes handled?
Common weak electrolytes remain molecular. Their limited ionisation is not expanded. Unlisted compounds receive a review warning.
What does no reaction mean?
All aqueous particles remain unchanged. Every ion cancels from both sides. No net chemical change remains.
Does it predict every precipitate?
It supports common classroom compounds and states. Unusual salts may need manual review. Solubility rules include exceptions.
Can it solve redox reactions?
Redox controls provide review guidance only. Complex half-reactions need specialised balancing. Verify advanced chemistry independently.
Why was an aqueous compound preserved?
Its dissociation rule was unavailable. The calculator avoids inventing unsupported ions. Add database rules before production use.
Important limitation
This calculator supports common introductory reactions and recognised electrolytes. Coordination compounds and unusual redox systems need expert review. Always verify specialised chemistry before laboratory or assessment use.