Chemistry precipitation reactions and Earth's atmosphere

Question 1

What is a precipitation reaction?

Answer 1

When two soluble substances in a solution react to form a soluble substance and an insoluble solid.

Question 2

How do you work out the products of a precipitation reaction?

Answer 2

1) Work out what products might form by swapping partners. eg. AB+CD–>AD+CB.
2) Check solubility rules to see if products are insoluble.
3) If one product is insoluble reaction will take place, if both products are soluble there will be no reaction in the first place.

Question 3

What are the solubility rules?

Answer 3

a) all common sodium, potassium and ammonium salts are soluble
b) all nitrates are soluble
c) common chlorides are soluble except those of silver and lead
d) common sulphates are soluble except those of lead, barium and calcium
e) common carbonates and hydroxides are insoluble except those of sodium, potassium and ammonium.