Precipitate
What is Precipitate?
A precipitate is an insoluble solid that forms and separates from a solution when two soluble solutions are mixed, or when the solubility limit of a compound is exceeded. Precipitation occurs when the ion product exceeds the solubility product constant (Ksp). For example, mixing silver nitrate with sodium chloride solutions produces white silver chloride precipitate: Ag⁺ + Cl⁻ → AgCl(s). Precipitation reactions are used in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A precipitate is an insoluble solid that forms and separates from a solution when two soluble solutions are mixed, or when the solubility limit of a compound is exceeded. Precipitation occurs when the ion product exceeds the solubility product constant (Ksp). For example, mixing silver nitrate with sodium chloride solutions produces white silver chloride precipitate: Ag⁺ + Cl⁻ → AgCl(s). Precipitation reactions are used in qualitative and quantitative analysis.