Precipitation Reaction

Dissolved ions combining into an insoluble solid that falls out of solution as a visible precipitate.

Core Principles & Analysis

• The classic demonstration mixes silver nitrate with salt water to curdle white silver chloride.
• Whether a precipitate forms is governed by the solubility product, Ksp.
• Water treatment uses it to pull heavy metals and phosphates out of solution.

Specifications & Metrics

• GENERAL FORM: A⁺(aq) + B⁻(aq) → AB(s)