Question

Does a double-displacement reaction such as $$\mathrm{NaCl}(aq)+{\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq)\to \mathrm{AgCl}(s)+{\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$$ result in a matter spread or in a concentration of matter?

Short answer

In the double-displacement reaction $\mathrm{NaCl}(aq)+{\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq)\to \mathrm{AgCl}(s)+{\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$, a solid precipitate, $\mathrm{AgCl}(s)$, is formed from the reaction of the aqueous reactants, resulting in a concentration of matter.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the reactants and products

In a double-displacement reaction, the cations of the two reactants switch places to form new products. The given reaction is: $\mathrm{NaCl}(aq)+{\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq)\to \mathrm{AgCl}(s)+{\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$ The reactants are $\mathrm{NaCl}(aq)$ and ${\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq)$, and the products are $\mathrm{AgCl}(s)$ and ${\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$.

Compare the states of matter for reactants and products

In a double-displacement reaction, the cations of the two reactants switch places to form new products. Pay attention to the states of matter for the reactants and products: Reactants: - $\mathrm{NaCl}(aq)$ - aqueous (dissolved in water) - ${\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq)$ - aqueous (dissolved in water) Products: - $\mathrm{AgCl}(s)$ - solid (precipitate) - ${\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$ - aqueous (dissolved in water)

Determine the result of the reaction

From the states of matter of the reactants and products, we can see that one of the products forms a solid precipitate, $\mathrm{AgCl}(s)$. The other product, ${\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$, remains dissolved in water. This means that the reaction results in a concentration of matter, as the solid precipitate, $\mathrm{AgCl}(s)$, is formed from the reaction of the aqueous reactants. In conclusion, a double-displacement reaction such as $\mathrm{NaCl}(aq)+{\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq)\to \mathrm{AgCl}(s)+{\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$ results in a concentration of matter.

Key concepts

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions are processes where substances, known as reactants, transform into different substances, called products. In a reaction, chemical bonds between atoms are broken and new ones are formed, resulting in new chemical compositions. When studying chemical reactions, it's important to note the different types that exist, such as synthesis, decomposition, single-displacement, and double-displacement reactions. Each of these varies in how the atoms and molecules reorganize. An understanding of chemical reactions helps us predict the properties and behaviors of new substances. The reaction in our original exercise is a classic example of a double-displacement reaction. This is where the cations and anions of two different molecules exchange places, forming two or more new compounds. For example, in the given reaction, the sodium cation (Na⁺) swaps places with the silver cation (Ag⁺), producing a new set of products.

Precipitation Reactions

Precipitation reactions are a type of chemical reaction where two aqueous solutions mix, and an insoluble solid, known as a precipitate, forms. This process occurs because the product of the reaction has low solubility in water. In our example, when $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{NaCl}(aq)+{\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq) \\ )meet,theyreacttoform\text{(}\mathrm{AgCl}(s) \end{gathered}$$, a solid precipitate.The formation of a precipitate is often used to identify the presence of certain ions in a solution, which can be immensely helpful in analysis and laboratory settings. Observing precipitate formation provides visual confirmation that a chemical change has occurred, differentiating precipitation reactions from others that might not show immediate effects. Precipitation reactions are integral in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

Aqueous Solutions

Aqueous solutions are solutions where the solvent is water. A substance dissolved in water breaks down into individual ions or molecules, leading to a homogenized mixture. This dissolution is crucial for reactions like double-displacement reactions to proceed, as ions in solution can move freely, facilitating interactions.In the reaction from the exercise, both $\mathrm{NaCl}(aq)$ and ${\mathrm{AgNO}}_3(aq)$ are aqueous solutions, meaning they are dissolved in water and thus in forms that can readily react. One of the products, ${\mathrm{NaNO}}_3(aq)$, remains in solution, indicating it did not form a precipitate due to its high solubility in water, contrasting with $\mathrm{AgCl}(s)$, which is insoluble and precipitates out. Understanding the behavior of substances in aqueous solutions helps in predicting and explaining the outcomes of various chemical reactions.