What Is the Difference Between Oxidation and Reduction? If you want, you can balance the equation for mass and charge first (at Step 1). Top. The user must then press Submit for the calculator to process the chemical equation. metal. These ions are called spectator ions since they don't participate in the chemical reaction at all (they just "watch"). The name of the salt produced depends on the acid and base used. A spectator ion is a charged atom or group of atoms in a chemical reaction that does not undergo a chemical change or change state when the reaction takes place. While writing a net ionic equation we cancel the spectator ions from both sides of the equation. One can identify spectator ions in a given solution by finding the oxidation number of each atom or molecule, looking for the formation of a covalent compound or a precipitate. Learners often find solution chemistry challenging as they fail to appreciate that, as well as the ions taking place in the precipitate reaction, both water molecules and spectator ions are also present. In this window, the input chemical equation is balanced and displayed. This will give you time to go over the theory in the same lesson. Any dissolved ions that appear in the same form on both sides are spectator ions. Write the net ionic equation when aqueous solutions of copper(II) chloride and potassium phosphate are mixed, a precipitate of copper(II) phosphate is formed.

Peter J. Mikulecky, PhD, teaches science and math at Fusion Learning Center and Fusion Academy, and is a technical writer. If you consider their possible combination into . And we shouldnt forget the state So this must be our spectator As learners develop their understanding of chemical bonding further, it is common for students to refer to ionic compounds as molecules or to refer to intermolecular forces when explaining properties of ionic compounds. The states can be removed while entering the chemical equation. The spectator ions in this equation are three $Cl^{-}$ and three $Na^{+}$ ions. It is not necessary for all ions to interact in this state, and if some ions do not interact, they usually remain dissolved in solution. When the two solutions are mixed, neither the Na + nor the NO 3 ions participate in . 2.2 Analytical Chemistry: Identify Ions Present in Solution. Our first product is magnesium Once your students understand how to use flame and chemical tests, they will be able to investigate how a combination of these tests can be used to work out the metal and non-metal parts of an unknown solution. The net ionic equation on canceling the spectator ions from both the sides is:2Cl(aq) + Cu2+(aq) CuCl2(s). This way, when you cross out spectator ions at Step 3, you cross out equivalent numbers of ions. The equation below is the final net ionic equation after elimination of the spectator ions, which yields water.H+(aq) + OH(aq) H2O(l), The spectator ions in KOH(aq) and HNO3(aq) are: K+(aq) and NO3(aq). Prescribed Practical C4: identify the ions in an ionic compound using chemical tests. Step I : Write the equation (with chemical formulas) for which spectator ions are to be determined. Step II : Express each of the reactants and products in terms of its cations and anions. Step III : Write down those cations and anions whose charge doesnt change throughout the equation. Step IV : Write down those cations and anions whose state (aqueous) remains the same throughout the equation. Here's a simple recipe for making net ionic equations of your own: Examine the starting equation to determine which ionic compounds are dissolved, as indicated by the (aq) symbol following the compound name. In the net chemical reaction, the spectator ions are cancelled from both sides of the equation. If all reactants and products cross out, then no reaction will occur.

\n\"image2.jpg\"\n

The net reaction is

\n\"image3.jpg\"\n

As written, the preceding reaction is imbalanced with respect to the number of hydrogen atoms and the amount of positive charge.

\n \n
  • Balance the net reaction for mass and charge.

    \n\"image4.jpg\"\n
  • \n\n

    If you want, you can balance the equation for mass and charge first (at Step 1). A spectator ion is one that exists in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of a chemical reaction. From the solubility rules, you know both sodium chloride and copper sulfate dissociate into their ions in water. Spectator ions do not participate in precipitation. Na+ (aq) + Cl (aq)+ Ag+ (aq)+ NO3 (aq) AgCl (s) + Na+ (aq)+ NO3 (aq) . Consider a precipitation reaction between two compounds KOH and HNO3 as represented below: KOH(aq) + HNO3 KNO3(aq) + H2O(l)K+(aq) + OH(aq) + H+(aq) + NO3(aq) K+(aq) + NO3(aq) + H2O(l). Want to save up to 30% on your monthly bills? For all the charges to be balanced, all the products must not be in aqueous form. According to Chemlab, spectator ions remain in solution and do not change ionic charges. Results of solubility experiments are as follows: unknown + chloride ions"no precipitate unknown + carbonate ions"precipitate unknown + sulfate ions"precipitate What is the . Rather, it includes only those components that actually react.

    \n

    Here's a simple recipe for making net ionic equations of your own:

    \n
      \n
    1. Examine the starting equation to determine which ionic compounds are dissolved, as indicated by the (aq) symbol following the compound name.

      \n\"image0.jpg\"\n
    2. \n
    3. Rewrite the equation, explicitly separating dissolved ionic compounds into their component ions.

      \n\"image1.jpg\"\n

      Note that polyatomic ions don't break apart in solution, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the common ones.

      \n
    4. \n
    5. Compare the reactant and product sides of the rewritten reaction and cross out the spectator ions.

      \n

      Any dissolved ions that appear in the same form on both sides are spectator ions. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. The Spectator Ions Calculator is an online tool that is used to identify the spectator ions in an ionic equation of a chemical reaction. Use simple laboratory tests to identify the following ions in solution: CO32-, SO42-, Cl-, I . Introduction to ions (video) | Khan Academy Chemistry library Unit 1: Lesson 2 Introduction to ions Worked example: Calculating molar mass and number of moles Molecules and compounds Worked example: Calculating mass percent Science > Chemistry library > Atoms, compounds, and ions > Ions and compounds 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. would be split up into the copper two plus ion and the sulfate two minus ion. Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. {"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:53:26+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T07:53:26+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T17:51:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Science","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33756"},"slug":"science","categoryId":33756},{"name":"Chemistry","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33762"},"slug":"chemistry","categoryId":33762}],"title":"How to Cancel Spectator Ions to Find a Net Ionic Equation","strippedTitle":"how to cancel spectator ions to find a net ionic equation","slug":"how-to-cancel-spectator-ions-to-find-a-net-ionic-equation","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Because spectator ions don't actually participate in the chemistry of a reaction, you don't always need to include them in a chemical equation. Determine the Ionic Equation and the Spectator Ion(s)." Working: Balanced Chemical Equation: NaCl(aq) + AgNO3(aq) -> AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq) Splitting of ions: Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq) + Ag+(aq) + NO3-(aq) -> AgCl(s) + Na+(aq) + NO3-(aq) Cancellation of Spectator Ions (appear on both LHS and RHS): a. on the reactant side and the product side. participate in the chemical change, it will be the same on both the reactant side In order to understand the concept of spectator ions, we first need to understand the concept of net ionic equations. Simple tests can be used to identify oxygen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases. Discover a wealth of optimised experiments and demonstrations for your classroom. Write the net ionic equation for the reaction between aqueous solutions of Li2S and CoI3. Copyright 2023 NagwaAll Rights Reserved. Nagwa uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. For example, in a reaction between aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl), the two ionic compounds separate into their ions, namely sodium (Na), hydroxide (OH), hydrogen (H), and chlorine (Cl). Since its a solid, we dont have Find the net ionic equation and also identify the spectator ions in the chemical reaction. Spectator ions are ions in solution that are not used to form the precipitate. It is solid, and hence, cannot be separated into ions. We hope you are enjoying ScienceStruck! A spectator ion is one that exists in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of a chemical reaction. The calculator computes the rate of reaction by assuming constant volume and no accumulation of intermediated and side products. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Spectator Ion Definition: A spectator ion is an ion that exists in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of a chemical reaction. Balance the net reaction for mass and charge. We can see that the sulfate ion is Just as there can be multiple atoms that make up a spectator ion, there can be multiple types of spectator ions in a particular reaction. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This tool helps you do just that. This will help avoid learners spilling chemicals on their results table. They present in the same form throughout the reaction. A spectator ion is a charged atom or group of atoms in a chemical reaction that does not undergo a chemical change or change state when the reaction takes place. Eliminate the spectator ions 6Cl and 6K+ from the equation. 5. Review and reflect on the skills and thinking used in carrying out investigations, and apply their learning and skills to solving problems in unfamiliar contexts. record detailed observations or numerical data (where appropriate) during chemical reactions, including discrete or continuous variables; propose justified explanations, for example determine the identity of cations and anions from the observations of precipitation reactions and flame tests; Unit 1: Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis, 1.8.15 describe how to test for carbon dioxide: limewater (calcium hydroxide solution) will change from colourless to milky if the test is positive; and. Copyright Science Struck & Buzzle.com, Inc. The calculator also displays the names, IUPAC names, chemical formulas, and Hills formula for all the compounds present in the chemical reaction. In this case, the chloride ions (Cl) are crossed out:

      \n\"image7.jpg\"\n

      This leaves the net reaction:

      \n\"image8.jpg\"\n

      The net reaction turns out to be balanced for mass and charge, so it's the balanced net ionic equation.

      ","description":"

      Because spectator ions don't actually participate in the chemistry of a reaction, you don't always need to include them in a chemical equation. They are atoms or a group of atoms that do not change chemically or physically during the course of a reaction. From the above equation, it can be observed that NO3(aq) and K+(aq) are present on both; left as well as right side of the equation. identify the spectator ion in this reaction. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success. Step 1 :Consider the complete ionic equation in which sodium chloride reacts with copper sulfate. He is the author of Chemistry For Dummies. Richard H. Langley, PhD, teaches chemistry at Stephen F. Austin State University. The calculator also displays the chemical names and formulasas shown in Table 1: The calculator also displays the Substance Properties of all the reactants and products. A student is asked to identify the metal nitrate present in an aqueous solution. In this case, the hydroxide OH^-1 and hydride H^+ ions from the LiOH and HBr respectively remain in solution. Re-writing the equation. The calculator also computes various chemical and physical properties of all the substances in the chemical equation. 3. to do anything with it. (ai) qualitative analysis of ions on a test-tube scale; processes and techniques needed to identify the following ions in an unknown compound: anions: CO, by reaction with H(aq) forming CO(g), (aii) qualitative analysis of ions on a test-tube scale; processes and techniques needed to identify the following ions in an unknown compound: anions: SO, by precipitation with Ba(aq), (aiii) qualitative analysis of ions on a test-tube scale; processes and techniques needed to identify the following ions in an unknown compound: anions: Cl, Br, I, Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry, 1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement, diii) use of laboratory apparatus for a variety of experimental techniques including: iii) qualitative tests for ions and organic functional groups, qualitative tests for ions and organic functional groups, a metal carbonate + an acid a salt + water + carbon dioxide. The net ionic equation provides the information of ions that exist in an aqueous medium. Read more about diagnostic questioning.

      John T. Moore, EdD, has taught chemistry at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, for more than 40 years. To add on to the previous reply, spectator ions are ions that do not actively participate in the reaction -- rather, they "spectate" it. It is also obtained from the balanced chemical equation. As written, the preceding reaction is imbalanced with respect to the number of hydrogen atoms and the amount of positive charge. Video resources showing how to carry out paper chromatography and how to calculate RF values. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Spectator Ion Definition and Examples." are aqueous. Therefore, no precipitation reaction occurs. Any dissolved ions that appear in the same form on both sides are spectator ions. Reactions of ions and in aqueous solution. Rewrite the equation, explicitly separating dissolved ionic compounds into their component ions. A spectator ion is one that exists in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of a chemical reaction. The products are copper chloride and sodium sulfate.2NaCl(aq) + CuSO4(aq) CuCl2(s) + Na2SO4(aq) - Equation I, Step 2 :The complete ionic equation for equation I is as follows:2Na+(aq) + 2Cl(aq) + Cu2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) CuCl2(s) + 2Na+(aq) + SO42-(aq). [CDATA[ ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9161"}},{"authorId":9160,"name":"Chris Hren","slug":"chris-hren","description":"

      Christopher Hren is a high school chemistry teacher and former track and football coach. A strong acid ionizes completely in water b. After processing the input, the calculator displays the output which consists of the following windows. Ca (CO,) (s) + 2HCl (ag) Caclfaq) + 2H20 (1 ) + CO. (g) a. d, CO b. Ca 4 Which one of the following statements regarding a strong acid is not correct? But the fact that this reaction is The spectator ions are canceled out of a reaction when writing the net ionic equation, so the net ionic equation for this example would be: Although spectator ions are ignored in the net reaction, they affect the Debye length. Subscribe to our newsletter and learn something new every day. In this case, the chloride ions (Cl) are crossed out:

      \n\"image7.jpg\"\n

      This leaves the net reaction:

      \n\"image8.jpg\"\n

      The net reaction turns out to be balanced for mass and charge, so it's the balanced net ionic equation.

      ","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9161,"name":"Peter J. Mikulecky","slug":"peter-j-mikulecky","description":"

      Christopher Hren is a high school chemistry teacher and former track and football coach. In the above reaction, the sodium ion and the nitrate ion are both spectator ions. 1.9.12 describe how to carry out a flame test using nichrome wire and concentrated hydrochloric acid to identify metal ions; 1.9.13 demonstrate knowledge of the flame colours of different metal ions: lithium (crimson); sodium (yellow/orange); potassium (lilac); calcium (brick red); and copper(II) (bluegreen/greenblue); 1.9.14 describe the test for Cu, Fe, Fe, Al, Zn and Mg ions in solution using sodium hydroxide solution and ammonia solution; 1.9.15 describe the tests for the following: chloride, bromide and iodide (using silver nitrate solution); sulfate (using barium chloride solution); and. When an atom/molecule loses negatively charged electron(s), a positive ion is formed. In many reactions, a spectator ion does not have a secondary purpose and exists only because it was part of a reactant. Spectator Ion Definition and Examples. No, spectator ions always present in the ionic form on both sides of the equation. You may wish to carry out this experiment in a separate lesson. In reaction stoichiometry, spectator ions are removed from a complete ionic equation to form a net ionic equation. And, this is the reason why they are named so. They don't take part in the chemical reaction. tasked with is identifying a spectator ion. These are shown in Table 2: All the images are created using Geogebra. We'll notice that some of the chemical species involved in this reaction, copper sulfate and magnesium sulphate, are aqueous. Since NO3(aq) and K+(aq) remain unaltered during and after the equation, they can be eliminated from the net ionic equation. //]]>. Since neither the Na or the Cl ion was involved in the reaction, each one was a spectator ion. Salts get dissolved in polar solvents like water and are present as cations and anions in the dissolved state. 2\text{Al} + 3\text{CuCl}_2 \to 2\text{AlCl}_3 + 3\text{Cu} In . They remain unchanged and are found in both the reactants and the products.

      John T. Moore, EdD, has taught chemistry at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, for more than 40 years. Therefore, they are termed as spectator ions. aqueous solution a solution where the solvent is water. The names of all the substances are present in the word equation. Langley and Moore are coauthors of Biochemistry For Dummies.

      Christopher R. Hren has taught high school chemistry, honors chemistry, and AP Chemistry for more than 15 years. In a redox reaction, a spectator ion is an ion whose oxidation number does not change in the course of the reaction. TIPPrinting the microscale sheet/integrated instructions onto buff coloured paper will make it easier to see when a white precipitate has been formed. Thus, no precipitation reaction occurs. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. Learn more about our Privacy Policy. They remain unchanged throughout the equation. It can be written as follows: \[ K_c = \frac{ {[P_{1}]}^{M_{P_{1}}} {[P_{2}]}^{M_{P_{2}}} }{ {[R_{1}]}^{M_{R_{1}}} {[R_{2}]}^{M_{R_{2}}} } \], $M_{P_{1}}$ = No. Now that weve written our chemical "Spectator ions" are simply those ions in a reaction solution that do not themselves react. By entering your email address and clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Dummies.com, which may include marketing promotions, news and updates. well first have to write out the ionic form of all the chemical species involved in It should be entered in the input block labeled, Enter the Equation. The term net ionic indicates that the electric charge on both sides of the equation needs to be balanced and equal. 2. chemical species involved in this reaction, copper sulfate and magnesium sulphate, Rather, it includes only those components that actually react. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Including the state symbol, identify the spectator ion in this reaction. 1. Again since this is a solid, we

      John T. Moore, EdD, is Regents Professor of Chemistry at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Because spectator ions don't actually participate in the chemistry of a reaction, you don't always need to include them in a chemical equation. A spectator ion is an ion that does The ions which satisfy both the criteria (step 3 and step 4) are said to be spectator ions. Compare the reactant and product sides of the rewritten reaction and cross out the spectator ions. Next is copper(II) sulfate, which Eliminate the spectator ions 2Na+ and 2NO3 from the equation. You may also be interested in the exhibition chemistry video Rainbow flame demonstration, which provides a wonderful display of colours as well as further details of the chemistry of flame tests. The spectator ions do not participate in chemical reactions. Definitions of molecular, complete ionic, and net ionic equations Because if all the products of the equation are aqueous, then all the ions will cancel out as spectator ions. It depends on what kind of reaction you're looking at. The balance chemical equation of the above reaction is, 3CuCl2 (aq) + 2K3PO4(aq) Cu3(PO4)2(s) + 6KCl(aq), The ionic equation of the above reaction is, 3Cu2+ + 6Cl + 6K+ + PO43- Cu3(PO4)2 + 6K+ + 6Cl. Spectator ions contribute in balancing the charges while not reacting with any elements of the equation. C5.2 How do chemists find the composition of unknown samples? TIPOnce completed learners can take a photo of their results using a mobile phone or tablet, so that they can clear away immediately. Consider a precipitation reaction between two compounds Pb(NO3)2(aq) and KI(aq) as represented below: Pb(NO3)2(aq) + 2KI(aq) PbI2(s) + 2KNO3(aq)Pb2+(aq) + 2 NO3(aq) + 2 K+(aq) + 2 I(aq) PbI2(s) + 2 NO3(aq) + 2 K+(aq). ionic compound a compound made up of oppositely charged ions. Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. Video and supporting resources to support a practical investigation to identify organic functional groups using a range of qualitative tests, Video and supporting resources to support practical work based on synthesis of an organic liquid, the experiment includes the stages of preparation, separation and purification, Video and supporting resources to support electrochemistry practical work, including two microscale experiments, animation and cell diagrams. These forces are called ionic bonds. To identify these spectator ions, This website uses cookies and similar technologies to deliver its services, to analyse and improve performance and to provide personalised content and advertising.

      Peter J. Mikulecky, PhD, teaches science and math at Fusion Learning Center and Fusion Academy, and is a technical writer.

      ","authors":[{"authorId":35209,"name":"Christopher R. Hren","slug":"christopher-r-hren","description":"

      Christopher R. Hren has taught high school chemistry, honors chemistry, and AP Chemistry for more than 15 years. Is NO3 a spectator ion? sulfate and copper metal, is an example of a redox reaction that involves the If you look carefully at the ionic equation, you will notice that the sodium ion and the nitrate ion appear unchanged on both sides of the equation. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Flame tests can be used to identify some metal ions (cations). Peter J. Mikulecky, PhD, teaches biology and chemistry at Fusion Learning Center and Fusion Academy. Do spectator ions form a precipitate? of moles of the second reactant R2. They remain unchanged throughout the equation. Adapt the questions to make them relevant to the stage and level that you are at. Identify spectator ions by writing ionic compounds in an aqueous solution as their dissolved species, and then look for the cations and anions that remain in aqueous form throughout the reaction. The physical states of all the reactants and products are essential in identifying the spectator ions. Strong acids do affect pH, because placing a strong acid into water will cause it to ionize and lower the pH of the solution. Flame tests, sodium hydroxide test (microscale) and tests for negative ions: carbonate, sulfate and halide ions An atom or a molecule can lose or gain electron(s) to form an ion. The ions that appear on both sides of the equation remain constant and therefore considered to be spectator ions, // Peter J. Mikulecky, PhD, < /b teaches... You may wish to carry out this experiment in a redox reaction, the input the... Components that actually react in reaction stoichiometry, spectator ions 2Na+ and 2NO3 from the and! Equation in which sodium chloride reacts with copper sulfate dissociate into their component ions to see when a precipitate. And hence, can not be in aqueous form ( with chemical formulas ) for which ions. 1 ) positive ion is an online tool that is used to identify the ions. Onto buff coloured paper will make it easier to see when a white precipitate has been formed ionic into... One was a spectator ion is an online tool that is used to identify some metal ions ( )... Physical states of all the substances in the ionic form on both the reactant and product sides of the remain! To running these cookies on your monthly bills dioxide gases part of a reactant 3, how to identify spectator ions both. The information of ions newsletter and learn something new every day right to your inbox the dissolved state will! Includes only those components that actually react number of hydrogen atoms and the products change in the ionic form both... State ( aqueous ) remains the same form throughout the equation for the calculator computes the rate reaction! Includes only those components that actually react LiOH and HBr respectively remain in solution and do not in. Change in the reaction between aqueous solutions of Li2S and CoI3 reaction by assuming constant volume and no of! Compound made up of oppositely charged ions elements of the equation produced depends on what kind reaction. Science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels get in! Or tablet, so that they can clear away immediately the course a... Found in both the reactant and product sides of the equation for and... Created using Geogebra change chemically or physically during the course of a chemical reaction the. The states can be removed while entering the chemical reaction the electric charge both... Any elements of the equation how to identify spectator ions form ionic compounds into their component ions chemical reaction, a spectator ion one! Balanced, all the substances in the same form on both sides of the.... Metal nitrate present in the same form on both sides are spectator ions like water are! In chemical reactions SO42-, Cl-, I Center and Fusion Academy those that! Step I: Write down those cations and anions whose charge doesnt change the! For your classroom spectator ions are ions in an aqueous solution PhD, < /b > teaches and! Calculate RF values properties of all the substances in the word equation dr. helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical and! Spilling chemicals on their results using a Mobile phone or tablet, that... A student is asked to identify the spectator ions found in the reaction between aqueous solutions of Li2S and.... Equation of a reaction ions calculator is an online tool that is to. That they can clear away immediately want to save up to receive the latest and greatest articles our! Ion is formed 6Cl and 6K+ from the solubility rules, you know both sodium chloride reacts with copper and. Coloured paper will make it easier to see when a white precipitate has been formed CoI3... A group of atoms that do not change ionic charges equation of a chemical reaction chemical. You cross out spectator ions calculator is an ion whose oxidation number does not have a secondary and. Cl-, I as cations and anions, Rather, it includes only components. Them relevant to the stage and level that you are at ) for which spectator ions, each was... A group of atoms that do not participate in chemical reactions accumulation of and! Holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator and...