HCHO2 + NaOH = NaCHO2 + H2O complete ionic

HCHO₂ (aq) + Na⁺ (aq) + OH⁻ (aq) ⟶ Na⁺ (aq) + CHO₂⁻ (aq) + H₂O (ℓ)

Explanation:

An ionic equation uses the symbols (aq) [aqueous] to indicate molecules and ions that are soluble in water, (s) [solid] to indicate insoluble solids, and (ℓ) to indicate substances (usually water) in the liquid state.

In this reaction, aqueous sodium hydroxide reacts with aqueous formic acid to form sodium formate and water.

1. Molecular equation

HCHO₂ (aq) + NaOH (aq) ⟶ NaCHO₂ (aq) + H₂O (ℓ)

2. Ionic equation

Sodium hydroxide and sodium formate are soluble ionic compounds, so we write them as hydrated ions.

HCHO₂ (aq) + Na⁺ (aq) + OH⁻ (aq) ⟶ Na⁺ (aq) + CHO₂⁻ (aq) + H₂O (ℓ)