What is the Difference Between Molecular Equation and Ionic Equation?

The main difference between a molecular equation and an ionic equation lies in the representation of the substances involved in the reaction.

• Molecular Equation: A molecular equation represents the chemical reaction using the chemical formulas of the reactants and products, as if all substances exist as molecules. It does not show the ionic species in the reaction. For example, the molecular equation for the reaction between sodium chloride and silver nitrate is: $$\ce{NaCl} \left( aq \right) + \ce{AgNO3} \left( aq \right) \rightarrow \ce{AgCl} \left( s \right) + \ce{NaNO3} \left( aq \right)$$
• Ionic Equation: An ionic equation represents the dissolved ionic compounds as free ions. It shows only the ionic species involved in the reaction. In the case of the reaction between sodium chloride and silver nitrate, the ionic equation is: $$\ce{Na^+} \left( aq \right) + \ce{Cl^-} \left( aq \right) + \ce{Ag^+} \left( aq \right) + \ce{NO3^-} \left( aq \right) \rightarrow \ce{AgCl} \left( s \right) + \ce{Na^+} \left( aq \right) + \ce{NO3^-} \left( aq \right)$$

In summary, a molecular equation shows the reactants and products as neutral molecules, while an ionic equation displays the ionic species involved in the reaction.

Comparative Table: Molecular Equation vs Ionic Equation

Here is a table comparing molecular equations and ionic equations:

In summary, a molecular equation represents the chemical reaction using chemical formulas, while an ionic equation shows the individual ions and their charges. Molecular equations cannot be used to determine the net ionic equation, but ionic equations can.