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2-2: Writing Balanced Precipitation Reactions
In this activity, you will go into the virtual laboratory and perform a series of precipitation reactions using Ag+,
Pb2+, and Sb3+. After observing the reactions, you will write the net ionic equations representing these reactions
and then balance them.
1. To start this activity, click this link for Writing Balanced Precipitation Reactions . The lab will load in a
new tab. Click back to this tab to read further instructions and complete the questions below.
2. Drag a test tube from the box and place it in the clamp on the ring stand (or you can double click it to
move it into position). You can then click on the bottle of Ag+ ion solution (it is AgNO3) on the shelf to
add it to the test tube. Then drag the test tube to the blue test tube rack. Repeat for Pb2+ (Pb(NO3)2 and
Sb3+ (Sb(OH)3).
3. Moving your mouse over each test tube in the test-tube rack will allow you to identify it in the Live Data
display. You can also click in the box at the top of the image of a test tube in Live Data in order to add a
label to the test tube. Place the test tube containing the Ag+ solution in the clamp on the ring stand. Click
on the Na2CO3 reagent bottle to add it to the test tube in the clamp.
What color is the precipitate?
brown
Write a correct balanced net ionic equation for the reaction.
Use the _ symbol to create a subscript and ^ for superscripts. You can see a preview of your equation as you
type it.
2Ag^+(ag)+CO3^2-(ag)=Ag_
2Ag
+
(ag) + CO3
2
− (ag) = Ag2 CO3 (s)
When you have finished writing the equation and making your observations, place the test tube containing the
precipitate in the red disposal bucket.
4. Place the test tube containing the Pb2+ solution in the clamp in the ring stand. Click on the NaCl reagent
bottle to add it to the test tube in the stand.
What color is the precipitate?
white
Write a correct balanced net ionic equation for this reaction.
Use the _ symbol to create a subscript and ^ for superscripts. You can see a preview of your equation as you
type it.
Pb^(2+)(ag)+2CI^- (ag) +Pb
Pb
2+
(ag) + 2CI
− ( ag )
+ P bCI2 (s)
When you have finished writing the equation and making your observations, place the test tube containing the
precipitate in the red disposal bucket.
5. Place the test tube containing the Sb3+ solution in the clamp. Click on the Na2S reagent bottle to add it to
the test tube. Note that the antimony is not soluble and you will have a double displacement reaction.
What color is the precipitate?
orange
Write a correct balanced net ionic equation for the reaction.
Use the _ symbol to create a subscript and ^ for superscripts. You can see a preview of your equation as you
type it.
2Sb^(2+)(s)+3S^(2-)(ag)+sb_
↑
2Sb
2+
(s) + 3S
2−
(ag) + sb2 S3 (s)