Net Ionic Equation Decision Making Tree
Compound
Written in molecular form
Salt
Solid, liquid,
Acid (HX)
Base (XOH)
(ionic compound
gas, oxide
Where X is a negative
Where X is a positive ion
that is not an acid,
ion
base, or oxide)
Strong = break apart
Strong = break apart
Use Solubility
Keep together
Weak = keep together
Weak = keep together
Rules
Split Apart
Keep Together
Soluble salts
Solids, liquids,
Strong acids and
Soluble = aqueous (break apart)
and gases
Insoluble = solid (keep together)
Weak acids and
bases
bases
Insoluble salts