1. Write the balanced chemical equation: NaCl(aq) + AgNO₃(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO₃(aq)
2. Identify the spectator ions: Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the chemical equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, Na⁺ and NO₃⁻ are spectator ions.
3. Write the ionic equation: Only include the ions that participate in the reaction (Ag⁺ and Cl⁻ in this case).
4. Include the solid precipitate: The solid precipitate is written as a neutral compound (AgCl in this case).
Note: The physical states of the ions in the ionic equation are not included.