Question

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

Answer 1

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 :)