Question

What is an insoluble solid that forms as the result of a double-displacement reaction called?

Answer 1

It is called a precipitate because it "falls out" of solution, like precipitation such as rain falls out of the sky.

Explanation:

A double displacement (double replacement) reactions takes place when two aqueous ionic solutions react. One of the products must be a precipitate, an insoluble gas, or water.

The general form for a double displacement reaction in which a precipitate forms, also called a precipitation reaction or salt metasthesis, is as follows: `"AX"+"BY"` `rarr` `"AY"+"BX"`, where `"A and B"` are cations and `"X and Y"` are anions.

Example of a precipitation reaction or salt metastasis.

`"AgNO"_3("aq")" + NaCl(aq)"` `rarr` `"NaNO"_3("aq")" + AgCl(s)"`

`"AgNO"_3("aq")" + NaCl(aq)"` `rarr` `"NaNO"_3("aq")" + AgCl""darr`

You can use the symbol `("s")` or `darr` to represent the precipitate.