Which term describes a solid that forms and settles out of a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction?

Which term describes a solid that forms and settles out of a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction?

• A. A solid that forms when a gas is produced
• B. A solid that sinks to the bottom of a container as a result of settling
• C. A solid that forms and settles out of a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction
• D. A solid that dissolves completely in the solvent

Answer: (C)

When a solid forms and settles out of a liquid during a chemical reaction, the solid is called a precipitate. This happens because the reaction produces a product that is insoluble in the solvent, so it comes out of solution as a solid and often sinks to the bottom. A classic example is when two solutions react to form an insoluble salt that precipitates out. This is different from solids that form from a gas, solids that simply settle due to gravity without forming in solution, or solids that dissolve completely in the solvent.

When a solid forms and settles out of a liquid during a chemical reaction, the solid is called a precipitate. This happens because the reaction produces a product that is insoluble in the solvent, so it comes out of solution as a solid and often sinks to the bottom. A classic example is when two solutions react to form an insoluble salt that precipitates out. This is different from solids that form from a gas, solids that simply settle due to gravity without forming in solution, or solids that dissolve completely in the solvent.