How can you tell if a precipitate forms when you mix two solutions?

1 Answer
Ryuu
Apr 30, 2017

A precipitate is a solid formed in a double displacement reaction between two aqueous solutions.

Explanation:

A precipitate is a solid formed in a double displacement reaction.

This occurs specifically when two aqueous solutions (typically clear solutions) react, forming one aqueous compound and one solid - that's the precipitate.

The precipitate is insoluble in water, something all precipitates have in common.

For example,

Silver nitrate reacts with sodium chloride, yeilding silver chloride and sodium nitrate.

#AgNO_"3" (aq) + NaCl (aq)-> AgCl (s) + NaNO_"3" (aq)#

The precipitate is #AgCl#, because it's unsoluble.

Hope this helps :)

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