How do you identify a spectator ion in chemistry reactions?

myway061: How do you identify a spectator ion in chemistry reactions?
During the break, I read the packet that explains how to solve chemistry reactions (I take AP Chem).

I memorized most of the special exceptions and other stuff, but I don’t get which are spectator ions.

I thought they are ions that are soluble, but I see some soluble ions represented in the equations.

Only information about spectator ions I see in this packet is ‘Don’t omit any ions unless you’re absolutely sure that they’ll be spectator ions.’

So How do you identify a spectator ion in chemistry reactions?

Answers and Views:

Answer by BrendaWise
The spectator is the one that is watching.

Answer by Cute
these ions appear on reactants as well as product side of balanced reactions.

Answer by Andrew S
Write out the whole chemical equation with all species present in the reacting system included. When the equation is finished, a spectator ion is an ion that appears on both sides of the reaction with no change. eg

Mg(s) + 2H(+) + 2 Cl(-) –> Mg(2+)(aq) + H2(g) + 2 Cl(-)
the chlorine ions are spectator ions coz they dont change