A precipitation reaction takes place between two solutes and forms an insoluble product, which is the precipitate.

Watch the following video to see what happens with precipitation reactions.

To predict whether or not an insoluble compound will form, you will have to consult the Table of Solubility Rules (below),

Source: Texas Education Agency, End of Course Reference Pages

Question

Predict whether or not a precipitate will form when solutions of BaCl₂ and K₂SO₄ are mixed.

Explain your answer in your notes.

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Check Your Answer

BaCl₂ + K₂SO₄--> BaSO₄ + 2KCl

Using the solubility rules, we can deduce that KCl is soluble and BaSO₄ is insoluble; therefore, a precipitate of barium sulfate will be produced.