Precipitation Reaction Lab

1333 Words3 Pages

Introduction:
A precipitation reaction can occur when two ionic compounds react and produce an insoluble solid. A precipitate is the result of this reaction. This experiment demonstrates how different compounds, react with each other; specifically relating to the solubility of the compounds involved. The independent variable, will be the changing of the various chemical solutions that were mixed in order to produce different results. Conversely the dependent variable will be the result of the independent variable, these include the precipitates formed, and the changes that can be observed after the experiment has been conducted. The controlled variable will be the measurement of ten droplets per test tube.
Purpose:
To predict and the test, …show more content…

Cations are positively charged ions, which are attracted to their negatively charged counterparts, anions. Precipitates can form when these cations and anions combine in aqueous solutions; however, precipitates only form if one of the products of the chemical reaction is not soluble in that solution. Solubility is instrumental in understanding how precipitation reactions occur. This is because solubility rules, determine whether a precipitate can form. A precipitate can form if the cation in the compound is soluble when combined with an anion. For example when the solutions silver nitrate and sodium chloride (reactants) are mixed, silver chloride and sodium nitrate (products) are formed. Following the solubility laws, silver nitrate is the precipitate, as it isn’t …show more content…

This can be done by first finding the products of the chemical reactions, which are found by swapping the anions on each reactant. Once this is done, predictions can be made. The table above, describes the solubility rules, these are used to decide whether a compound will be soluble, and then consequently to this reveal a precipitate. Barium sulfate for example is insoluble and if it was to be mixed with an aqueous compound, barium sulfate would be the precipitate. This is an example of how a prediction can be made, without physically viewing the experiment or given the results. It is also a way of identifying what the precipitate is once the experiment has been

Open Document