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Which of the following pairs of aqueous solutions produce a precipitate?

A) Sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium nitrate (KNO3)
B) Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4)
C) Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
D) Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and acetic acid (CH3COOH)

User Kicaj
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Among the given pairs, B) Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) will produce a precipitate when mixed because silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) is poorly soluble in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking which pairs of aqueous solutions will produce a precipitate when mixed. To determine this, we must consider the solubility rules and the potential products of mixing ionic compounds. Here's the analysis of the provided pairs:

  • A) Sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium nitrate (KNO3): Both of these products would be soluble in water, and no precipitate would form.
  • B) Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4): This combination would produce a precipitate. Silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) is poorly soluble, and would therefore form a precipitate.
  • C) Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4): Mixing these two acids does not result in a precipitation reaction; instead, it simply creates a more diluted acid solution.
  • D) Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and acetic acid (CH3COOH): This combination will undergo an acid-base reaction, but not a precipitation reaction. Calcium acetate is soluble in water, so no precipitate would form.

Therefore, the pair that will produce a precipitate is B) Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4).

User Jackson Allan
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