Final answer:
Yes, a precipitate would form if a solution of calcium acetate is mixed with sodium phosphate; the precipitate would be calcium phosphate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a solution of calcium acetate is mixed with a solution of sodium phosphate, there is a possibility for a precipitation reaction to occur if an insoluble compound can form. According to solubility rules, while sodium acetate and sodium phosphate are soluble compounds, calcium phosphate is not. This is because the calcium ions (Ca2+) can combine with the phosphate ions (PO43-) to form calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2), which is an insoluble compound, resulting in a precipitate.
The reaction can be represented by the equation:
3Ca(C2H3O2)2(aq) + 2Na3PO4(aq) → Ca3(PO4)2(s) + 6NaC2H3O2(aq)
Therefore, if a solution of calcium acetate is mixed with sodium phosphate, the precipitate that would form is calcium phosphate.