1. Write the balanced molecular equation:

CaCl₂(aq) + Na₂CO₃(aq) → CaCO₃(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

2. Dissociate the strong electrolytes into ions: Strong electrolytes are compounds that completely dissociate in water. In this case, CaCl₂, Na₂CO₃, and NaCl are strong electrolytes.

Ca²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq) → CaCO₃(s) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq)

3. Identify and cancel spectator ions: Spectator ions are ions that appear on both the reactant and product sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this example, Na⁺(aq) and Cl⁻(aq) are spectator ions.

Ca²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) + 2Na⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq) → CaCO₃(s) + 2Na⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq)

Canceling the spectator ions leaves:

Ca²⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq) → CaCO₃(s)

4. Write the net ionic equation: The net ionic equation shows only the species that directly participate in the reaction.

Ca²⁺(aq) + CO₃²⁻(aq) → CaCO₃(s)

This is the net ionic equation for the reaction between calcium chloride and sodium carbonate. The reaction produces a precipitate of calcium carbonate.