Question

What is the net ionic equation for the reaction of acetic acid, CH₃COOH, with NH₃? 

A. CH₃COOH(aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄⁺ + CH₃COO^– (aq) 

B. CH₃COOH(aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄CH₃COO(aq) 

C. CH₃COO^– (aq)+ H⁺ (aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄CH₃COO(aq) 

D. H⁺ (aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄⁺ (aq) 

E. H⁺ (aq) + OH^– (aq) → H₂O(aq)

Answer 1

Correct option  (A) CH₃COOH(aq) + NH₃(aq) → NH₄⁺ + CH₃COO^– (aq) 

Explanation:

Begin by looking at the reactants and determining their dissociation abilities. Acetic acid is a weak acid, therefore, it should be written in the reaction as HC₂H₃O₂(aq) to show that it is dissolved but not fully dissociated. Ammonia is a weak base in solution that also doesn’t have any ions. It must be written as a dissolved molecule, NH₃(aq), as well. Next, consider the products. The proton from acetic acid should be moved to the ammonia molecule, making the ionic equation: 

HC₂H₃O₂(aq) + NH₃(aq) → C₂H₃O₂ ^– + NH₄⁺

Turning this into a net ionic equation means not doing anything; there are no spectators. Now choose from the responses.