Here's why:
* Double displacement: In this type of reaction, the positive and negative ions of two reactants switch places.
* Metathesis: This is another term for double displacement reactions.
The reaction equation:
2 Na₃PO₄(aq) + 3 Ba(ClO₃)₂(aq) → Ba₃(PO₄)₂(s) + 6 NaClO₃(aq)
Explanation:
* Sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄) and barium chlorate (Ba(ClO₃)₂) are both soluble in water, forming ions.
* The positive sodium ions (Na⁺) from sodium phosphate react with the negative chlorate ions (ClO₃⁻) from barium chlorate to form soluble sodium chlorate (NaClO₃).
* The positive barium ions (Ba²⁺) from barium chlorate react with the negative phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻) from sodium phosphate to form insoluble barium phosphate (Ba₃(PO₄)₂).
* Barium phosphate precipitates out of the solution as a solid.
Key features of this reaction:
* Formation of a precipitate: The formation of solid barium phosphate is a key indication of a double displacement reaction.
* Ionic exchange: The ions from the reactants exchange partners to form new products.
Let me know if you'd like more information about double displacement reactions or other types of chemical reactions!