What is the Difference Between Balanced Equation and Net Ionic Equation?

The main difference between a balanced chemical equation and a net ionic equation lies in the information they convey about a chemical reaction.

A balanced chemical equation shows all the reactions that took place in a system, including all reactants and products. It indicates the overall reaction and provides information about the amounts of reactants needed to form the products. For example, the balanced equation between KI and PbNO3 in water would be:

$$2KI + PbNO3 \rightarrow K2NO3 + PbI2$$

A net ionic equation, on the other hand, focuses on the ions directly involved in the reaction, excluding spectator ions that do not participate in the actual reaction. It shows only the overall reaction that has taken place in the system. To obtain the net ionic equation, you need to write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction, including the state of each substance, and then eliminate the spectator ions using your knowledge of solubility rules, strong acids, and strong bases.

In summary:

• A balanced chemical equation provides an overall view of the reaction, including all reactants and products.
• A net ionic equation focuses on the ions directly involved in the reaction, excluding spectator ions.

Comparative Table: Balanced Equation vs Net Ionic Equation

Here is a table comparing balanced equations and net ionic equations:

In summary, a balanced equation gives a comprehensive view of the reaction, including all reactants and products, while a net ionic equation focuses on the ions directly participating in the reaction and excludes spectator ions.