How to Identify Spectator Ions: Definitions, Examples, & Practice

The concept of Spectator Ions comes up frequently in chemistry. In this video we’ll look at a definition and examples and give you some practice identifying spectator ions.

When we have a chemical reaction with soluble ionic compounds, we’ll usually have spectator ions. This is common with single and double replacement reactions.

Spectator ions are ions that are found on both sides of a chemical equation. They are the things that are exactly the same on both sides are Spectator ions. They haven’t changed so they are just watching, like spectators.

To identify them you have to first determine which ions are soluble and will split into ions in water (become aqueous). You also need to be able to determine the charge on both monoatomic ions (Cl-, F-, Na+, etc.) and polyatomic ions (NO3-, SO4 2-, etc.).

-----------Useful Resources: -----------

-------------------------
The key to identifying spectator ions is understanding solubility and the charge on ions. If you can do these things well you’ll be well on your way to balancing net ionic equations.

[karman]

THANK YOU!! my chem teacher just crossed out the spectator ions in her video and I was so confused as to how she knew which were the spectators and you explained it to me in literally a minute!!!

[lelandgrapes]

You went above and beyond with the solubility rules too, I was abt to search another video for that.

[Aalijah_Matyevna]

I answered my exm question correctly by watching this vid the previous day. Tyy. You are a rlly good teacher.

[madhurilatadas]

Thank you so much.I was very confused about the topic but now everything is clear

[reetarahmet]

Liked, already subscribed, and bell turned on! Thanks a lot you will get me through my classes with awesome grades! Enjoy watching these for fun in self-isolation. Ur an excellent teacher 😀

[thetripp]

this guy is the man we didnt deserve but needed

[davidrichie]

Good show Lad! This is why I love freedom, good people like you can make such a positive influence on mankind. I'll study away at this until we find out that atoms really aren't atoms at all..

[jessicadu]

thank you thank you!
The part that confused me was are the spectator ions not changed in the reaction? Or Maybe ions that are left over after a precipitate is formed?

[pann]

OMG, thank you so muchhhh. I spent so may hours looking for a good explanation. Liked and subbed. Way better than my room teacher.

[remarkablething]

thank you sir- really helpful especially with the solubility rules as well

[jonsnoff]

Splendid video! Thank you for the help!

[hananstudies]

You just made it much easier thank you so much

[soyongdiptoghosh]

finally//

finally my sister's doubt has been cleared

Thank you doctor

[mr.mukherjee]

Thank you for the brilliant explanation!🙏

[junaidabbas]

Thank u my doubt is cleared now I didnt understand it by my school and tuition teachers . thank u

[raziyabadat]

Good video! I liked it and I have got to learn what spectator ions are🙏

[thestudyroom]

sir if in a reaction h2o is mentioned do we have to remove it while removing spectator ions? please reply

[vis]

I passed my test because of u thank you

[chezs]

Thank you so much! This was very helpful!!

[emmanuelorie]

You are the best. I've been looking for explanations on ionic charge. Thanks alot