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precipitation

djdan1990

my specification tells me i need to be able to tell the difference between, redox, acid-base and precipitation reactions. i think i know how to recognise the first two but how can u recognise a precipitation reaction?
thank u

Reply 1

frank_drebin

Hi.
In a precipitation reaction the sign of an insoluble percipitate being formed in the solution is a sign of chemical change. The solid forms out of the solute phase, and sinks to the bottom of the solution.
Here is an example of a percipitation reaction you've probably done in class. When aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO3) is added to a solution containing potassium chloride (KCl) and the precipitation of a white solid, silver chloride is observed-
- AgNO3(aq) + KCl(aq) ? AgCl(s) + KNO3(aq)

The silver chloride(AgCl) has formed a solid, which is observed as a precipitate