The precipitate is Fe(OH)3, which is a rusty red solid. This reaction is a precipitation reaction because one of the products (Fe(OH)3) is insoluble in water.
Formulas of the reactants: NaOH (aq), FeCl3 (aq)
Molecular equation:
3 NaOH (aq) + FeCl3 (aq) → Fe(OH)3 (s) + 3 NaCl (aq)
Complete ionic equation:
3 Na⁺ (aq) + 3 OH⁻ (aq) + Fe³⁺ (aq) + 3 Cl⁻ (aq) → Fe(OH)3 (s) + 3 Na⁺ (aq) + 3 Cl⁻ (aq)
Net ionic equation:
3 OH⁻ (aq) + Fe³⁺ (aq) → Fe(OH)3 (s)
Formulas of the possible products: Fe(OH)3 (s), NaCl (aq)
Observation (visual): Clear solution → rusty red precipitate
Evidence of reaction (proof): Formation of a rusty red precipitate
Spectator ions: Na⁺, Cl⁻
Reacting ions: OH⁻, Fe³⁺
Did the reaction occur? Yes
Classification of reaction: Precipitation reaction
The fact that a precipitate is formed is evidence that a chemical reaction has occurred.
In this case, the precipitate is Fe(OH)3, which is a rusty red solid.
This reaction is a precipitation reaction because one of the products (Fe(OH)3) is insoluble in water.