## Meehan98 one year ago What is the net ionic equation that occurs when zinc nitrate and lithium phosphate are mixed together in water? A precipitate of zinc phosphate is formed. I understand how to get the net ionic equation, but the first step of writing the equation is what's confusing me.

1. Meehan98

The equation that I have right now is: $Zn NO _{3} + Li PO _{4}\rightarrow Zn PO _{4}$ How do I balance this equation when Lithium and Nitrate aren't on the products side of the equation?

2. aaronq

But they are present, they're just not a precipitate. $$\sf Zn(NO_3)_2+Li_3PO_4\rightarrow Zn_3(PO_4)_2+LiNO_3$$ When you write these equations, make sure you write a label for it's state in solution, (aq), (s), (g) etc.

3. Meehan98

Do you mind explaining to me the changes you made to the equation? I don't know why I'm having so much trouble with this..

4. aaronq

You need to know the charges of polyatomic ions and balance these appropriately - focus on that and this will be easy

5. aaronq

For example, the charge on $$PO_4^{-3}$$ is 3- and for $$Li^+$$ is just 1+ so to balance the charges you need 3 $$Li^+$$ and one $$PO_4^{-3}$$ so you get $$Li_3PO_4$$

6. Meehan98

OK, so for $Zn ^{2+} PO _{4}^{3-}$ you find the least common multiple of the two charges and are left with $Zn _{3} (PO _{4}) _{2}$ Thank you! You've been the greatest help!