Here's why:
* The reaction: Barium nitrate and sodium hydroxide react in a double displacement reaction. This means the positive and negative ions switch partners.
* The products: The products of this reaction are barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) and sodium nitrate (NaNO₃).
* Solubility: Barium hydroxide is insoluble in water, meaning it forms a solid precipitate. Sodium nitrate is soluble in water and remains dissolved.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
Ba(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Ba(OH)₂(s) + 2NaNO₃(aq)
In summary, the white precipitate formed in the reaction is barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂).
