Final answer:
In a double replacement reaction, cations and anions switch partners to form new compounds. For example, in the reaction Pb(NO3)2 + KBr, lead(II) nitrate combines with potassium bromide to form lead(II) bromide and potassium nitrate.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a double replacement reaction, the cations and anions switch partners to form new compounds. To predict the products of the reaction, we need to determine the formula of the new compounds formed by the combination of the cations and anions.
For example, in the reaction Pb(NO3)2 + KBr, the lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) will combine with potassium bromide (KBr) to form lead(II) bromide (PbBr2) and potassium nitrate (KNO3). The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
Pb(NO3)2 + 2KBr → PbBr2 + 2KNO3
The states of the reactants and products can be indicated as follows:
Pb(NO3)2(aq) + 2KBr(aq) → PbBr2(s) + 2KNO3(aq)