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To predict a precipitation reaction, you identify the ions present and then consider whether:
AThe solution will change its colour
BThe mixture will get noticeably hot
COne reactant is present in excess
DA cation and anion pair is insoluble
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. A cation and anion pair is insoluble
1. A precipitate forms when two dissolved ions find each other and will not stay dissolved.
2. One merely needs to identify all the ions present in the solution.
3. Then consider if a possible cation and anion pairing could result in an insoluble compound.
4. If such a pairing exists, a precipitation reaction is predicted to occur.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 4 'Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions', sections 4.1-4.5_
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