Before you start

Silver chloride precipitation

Combine measured silver nitrate and sodium chloride solutions, inspect the Q versus Ksp result, then filter, dry, and weigh the silver chloride.

Time
about 25 minutes
Level
Intermediate
Steps
4

What you are doing

Use Q and Ksp to explain silver chloride precipitation, then collect and weigh the dry product by gravimetry.

Procedure

  1. Identify the ions in each bottleRead both labels and write down the cation and anion each solution contributes before you combine anything.
  2. Combine the solutions in the beakerPour a measured volume of each solution into the same beaker. Watch the moment the second solution meets the first.
  3. Identify the precipitateCompare the reported ion product Q with Ksp. Note whether a solid appeared and what colour it is, then identify the reacting and spectator ions.
  4. Collect and weigh the dry productPlace the empty boat on the balance, tare it, remove it, then collect the filtered, washed, and fully dried precipitate. Return the boat to the balance and record the displayed dry mass.

On the bench

  • 0.100 M silver nitrate
  • 0.100 M sodium chloride
  • Reaction beaker
  • Dry precipitate weighing boat
  • Centigram balance

How this is assessed

  • Combines measured ionic solutions, interprets Q versus Ksp, and collects a dry precipitate for balance measurement.

Ways to work

  • Precipitate presence and colour are reported as text, never colour alone.
  • Procedure basis: Royal Society of Chemistry, Gravimetric analysis practical videos for 16-18 students (filter, wash, dry, and measure silver chloride).

You can reread this from Lab steps at any point, and restart the lab if something goes wrong.