The Reaction:
Lead chloride (PbCl₂) + Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) → Lead sulfate (PbSO₄) + Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Explanation:
* Reactants:
* Lead chloride (PbCl₂) is a soluble ionic compound.
* Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) is also a soluble ionic compound.
* Products:
* Lead sulfate (PbSO₄) is insoluble in water, meaning it forms a solid precipitate.
* Sodium chloride (NaCl) remains dissolved in the solution as ions.
The Precipitate:
The white, solid precipitate that forms is lead sulfate (PbSO₄). You can write the net ionic equation to focus on the formation of the precipitate:
Pb²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → PbSO₄(s)
Key Point: Double displacement reactions occur when the cations and anions of two reactants switch partners. This is often driven by the formation of an insoluble product (precipitate).