Here's the balanced chemical equation:
Pb(NO₃)₂ (aq) + 2KBr (aq) → PbBr₂ (s) + 2KNO₃ (aq)
Explanation:
* Lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂) and potassium bromide (KBr) are both soluble ionic compounds, meaning they dissolve in water to form ions.
* When these solutions are mixed, the lead ions (Pb²⁺) from lead nitrate react with the bromide ions (Br⁻) from potassium bromide.
* This reaction forms lead bromide (PbBr₂) which is a yellow insoluble solid and thus precipitates out of the solution.
* The remaining ions, potassium (K⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) remain in solution as potassium nitrate (KNO₃).
Observations:
* You will see a yellow precipitate forming in the solution.
* The solution will become cloudy as the precipitate forms.
* The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat and the solution may become slightly warm.
Note:
* This reaction is used in the laboratory to prepare lead bromide.
* It is also an example of a precipitation reaction, which is a type of double displacement reaction that results in the formation of a precipitate.
