What do you mean by a precipitation reaction? Explain by giving examples.
Solution 1
A reaction in which an insoluble solid (called precipitate) is formed is called a precipitation reaction.For Example:
Na2CO3 (aq) + CaCl2 (aq) → CaCO3 (s) + 2NaCl (aq)
Sodium Carbonate + Calcium Chloride → Calcium Carbonate + Sodium Chloride
In this reaction, calcium carbonate is obtained as a precipitate. Hence, it is a precipitation reaction.
Solution 2
When two solutions containing soluble salts are combined, a double displacement reaction takes place in which the ions are exchanged between the compounds. When one of such compound formed is in solid form (that is insoluble in aqua) then it settles down at the bottom of the container. This solid is known as the precipitate and the respective reaction is termed as the precipitation reaction. Few examples of precipitation reactions are:
- CdSO4(aq)+K2S(aq)→CdS(s)+K2SO4(aq)
- 2NaOH(aq)+MgCl2(aq)→2NaCl(aq)+Mg(OH)2(s)
