Identify the spectator ions in this reaction:

What are spectator ions in a chemical reaction?

A) H+ and K+
B) Br – and OH–
C) K+ and Br–

Answer:

C) K+ and Br–

Explanation:

Spectator ions are the ions that do not participate in the chemical reaction and remain unchanged on both sides of the equation. They are simply there as spectators and do not contribute to the formation of products.

In the given reaction: H+ + Br – + K+ + OH– (K+ + Br– + H2O), the spectator ions are K+ and Br–. These ions do not react or combine to form products as they are present in their original state on both sides of the equation.

It is important to recognize spectator ions in a reaction as they help in understanding which ions are actually involved in the chemical change and which ones are merely observers.