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  • Double Displacement Reaction: Lead Chloride & Sodium Sulfate - Precipitation & Products
    You're absolutely right! This is a classic double displacement reaction that forms a precipitate. Here's how it breaks down:

    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).

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