Question

during an experiment, a student observes the formation of a precipitate. why does this indicate that a chemical reaction is most likely occuring?

Answer 1

I think it means that the reaction is balanced. There is no reaction if there is no precipitate, I know that much.

Answer 2

Answer: Solubility product is less than the ionic product.

Explanation: If in a chemical reaction, there is a formation of precipitate, this means that the reactants are not completely converted into the product and the reactants are not easliy solubilize in the given solvent.

Moreover solubility product of the given salt or reactant is less than the ionic product because solubility product explains the level of solubility of the reactants.

Thus when there is a formation of the precipiate , then the some amount of reactant remain unreacted and undissolved.