Why is the net ionic equation for hf and koh this hf aq plus oh aq yields h2o l plus f- aq and not h plus aq plus oh- aq yields h2o l and why is f in hf a spectator ion in other aq reactions?

Answer 1

From what I've been told, because HF is a weak acid and therefore a weak electrolyte you are not supposed to break it up into cations and anions. Not sure how you would be getting F- as a spectator in other aq reactions, unless there's an extra rule that I simply haven't been taught.

Answer 2

In the case of HF and KOH, HF (a weak acid) does not fully dissociate but rather undergoes a partial ionization to form F- and H2O. F- is a spectator ion in other aqueous reactions involving HF because it remains in solution and does not undergo any further chemical reactions. The net ionic equation for HF and KOH is specific to the equilibrium between these two compounds.