The reaction between iron(III) nitrate (Fe(NO₃)₃) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a double displacement reaction that results in the formation of a precipitate. Here's a breakdown:

1. Reactants:

* Iron(III) nitrate (Fe(NO₃)₃): A soluble ionic compound containing iron(III) cations (Fe³⁺) and nitrate anions (NO₃⁻).

* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): A soluble ionic compound containing sodium cations (Na⁺) and hydroxide anions (OH⁻).

2. Products:

* Iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃): A reddish-brown, insoluble solid that precipitates out of solution.

* Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃): A soluble ionic compound that remains dissolved in the solution.

3. Balanced Chemical Equation:

Fe(NO₃)₃(aq) + 3NaOH(aq) → Fe(OH)₃(s) + 3NaNO₃(aq)

Explanation:

* The iron(III) cations (Fe³⁺) from iron(III) nitrate react with the hydroxide anions (OH⁻) from sodium hydroxide to form iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃).

* Since iron(III) hydroxide is insoluble in water, it forms a solid precipitate that can be observed as a reddish-brown solid settling at the bottom of the reaction vessel.

* The sodium cations (Na⁺) and nitrate anions (NO₃⁻) remain in solution as sodium nitrate (NaNO₃).

Observations:

* Upon mixing the solutions, a reddish-brown precipitate will quickly form.

* The solution will become slightly cloudy due to the formation of the precipitate.

Important Note: This reaction is an example of a precipitation reaction, where an insoluble product is formed from the reaction of two soluble reactants.