Two plus two is four, but how can two liquids come together and form one solid? Learn how ions can mix in solutions and fall out to form a solid in precipitation reactions through discussion and analysis of cations, anions, and precipitate reactions.

Concepts

chemical reactions, precipitates, solubility, cations, anions, net ionic equations, moles, unit conversion

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Show other reactions that form precipitates; perform one in lab
• Research how some people used silver as medicine
• Give learners sample equations to see if they can determine and explain which equations will produce precipitates in solutions

Classroom Considerations

• To view the video, you must have a computer, access to the Internet, and a projection system

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Includes a visual showing silver chloride forming as a precipitate in solution
• Learners will understand what (aq) and (s) mean in chemical reactions

Cons

• Video references alcohol right at the beginning, which might not be appropriate for high schoolers; "You're at dinner with your best friend. Fine conversation, fine wine, some bbq beef cheeks ..."
• The only precipitate discussed is silver — forming silver chloride