When solutions of two ionic compounds are combined and a solid forms, the process is called what?

When solutions of two ionic compounds are combined and a solid forms, the process is called precipitation.

A precipitate is a solid that forms out of solution. A common example is that of the mixing of two clear solutions: (1) silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and (2) sodium chloride (NaCl).

The reaction is: AgNO₃ + NaCl --------------> AgCl - NaN0₃

The precipitate forms because the solid (AgCl) is insoluble in water. That is true for all precipitates - the solids are insoluble in aqueous solutions.

To learn more, see links below:

wps.prenhall.com - Precipitation Reactions

www.chemicool.com - Definition of Precipitate

www.iun.edu - Precipitation Reactions.

To learn about predicting precipitation reactions, refer to this Boundless open textbook.

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