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What distinguishes a molecular equation from a complete ionic equation?
AIt shows all species as neutral substances
BIt shows all species as separated ions
CIt leaves out all the spectator ions
DIt leaves out all the insoluble solids
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. It shows all species as neutral substances
1. A molecular equation writes every reactant and product as a whole, neutral formula.
2. It does not show that dissolved ionic compounds break up into ions.
3. The complete ionic equation is the one that spells out every dissolved ion.
4. Leaving out spectator ions gives the net ionic equation, which is a third form.
5. So the mark of a molecular equation is neutral formulas throughout.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 4 "Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions", section 4.1 Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations_
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