Precipitate — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A solid that forms and settles out when two solutions react with each other. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
- A solid formed from a solution. (Physical Science: Chemistry)
Where it is taught
- Signs of a Chemical Reaction — Chemistry, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
- Aqueous Reactions & Net Ionic Equations — Reactions, Moles & Composition, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
You might see bubbles of gas forming, a precipitate (a solid that appears and settles out when two liquids are mixed), or a color change.
Signs of a Chemical Reaction
Whether a proposed ion exchange actually reacts depends on the formation of a precipitate, gas, or weakly ionized substance such as water, rather than simply swapping names.
Aqueous Reactions & Net Ionic Equations
Questions using precipitate
Problem 1
Why is a solid precipitate not split into free aqueous ions in the net equation?
Hints
State what the supplied observations or conditions establish, and separate that from any assumption.
Answer and explanation
Its state is a solid lattice; representing free aqueous ions would describe a different state.