The Reaction:
Iron(II) chloride (FeCl₂) reacts with silver nitrate (AgNO₃) in an aqueous solution to produce iron(II) nitrate (Fe(NO₃)₂) and solid silver chloride (AgCl).
Balanced Chemical Equation:
FeCl₂(aq) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Fe(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2AgCl(s)
Explanation:
* FeCl₂(aq): Iron(II) chloride is dissolved in water, forming an aqueous solution.
* AgNO₃(aq): Silver nitrate is also dissolved in water, forming an aqueous solution.
* Fe(NO₃)₂(aq): Iron(II) nitrate is formed as a product and remains dissolved in the water.
* 2AgCl(s): Silver chloride is formed as a white precipitate (solid) and falls out of the solution.
Key Points:
* Double Displacement Reaction: This is a classic double displacement reaction where the cations and anions of the reactants switch places.
* Precipitate Formation: The formation of the solid silver chloride precipitate (AgCl) is the driving force behind this reaction.
* Spectator Ions: The nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) and the chloride ions (Cl⁻) are considered spectator ions because they do not directly participate in the formation of the precipitate.
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