Here's the balanced chemical equation:
Pb(CH₃COO)₂(aq) + 2NaCl(aq) → PbCl₂(s) + 2CH₃COONa(aq)
Explanation:
* Lead acetate (Pb(CH₃COO)₂) and sodium chloride (NaCl) are both soluble ionic compounds, meaning they dissociate into ions in solution.
* Lead chloride (PbCl₂) is an insoluble ionic compound and therefore precipitates out of solution as a white solid.
* Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) remains in solution as it is soluble.
Observations:
* When you mix solutions of lead acetate and sodium chloride, a white precipitate (lead chloride) will form immediately.
* The solution will also become slightly acidic due to the presence of acetate ions.
This reaction is commonly used in the lab to demonstrate the formation of a precipitate and the concept of solubility rules.