Small, highly charged metal cations may interact with H2O to give solutions that are not neutral. Which net ionic chemical equation correctly represents the reaction of Cu (NO3) 2 with water?

a. Cu2 + (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ Cu (OH) 1 - (aq) + H+1 (aq)

b. Cu2 + (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ Cu (OH) 1 + (aq) + H+1 (aq)

c. Cu2 + (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ CuH3 + (aq) + H1 - (aq)

Option B is correct.

The net ionic chemical reaction when Cu (NO₃) ₂ reacts with water is

Cu²⁺ (aq) + H₂O (l) ⇌ Cu (OH) ¹⁺ (aq) + H¹⁺ (aq)

Explanation:

When ions dissolve in polar solvents (in water especially), then often attract ions of opposite signs.

Cu (NO₃) ₂ dissolves into Cu²⁺ & NO₃⁻ and water contains H¹⁺ & OH⁻

The Cu²⁺ attracts the OH⁻ from water, thereby giving the Cu (OH) ¹⁺ ion (with a net charge of + 2-1 = + 1) and the NO₃⁻ takes up the H⁺ ion.