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To Study a Double Displacement (Precipitation) Reaction (Class 10 Chemistry Practical)

To observe the formation of an insoluble precipitate when two soluble salts are mixed, demonstrating a double displacement reaction.

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TL;DR: To observe the formation of an insoluble precipitate when two soluble salts are mixed, demonstrating a double displacement reaction.

Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated Jul 23, 2026

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Aim: To observe the formation of an insoluble precipitate when two soluble salts are mixed, demonstrating a double displacement reaction.

Materials Required

  • Silver nitrate solution
  • Sodium chloride solution
  • Test tubes
  • Dropper
  • Beaker
  • Filter paper
  • Funnel

Theory

A double displacement reaction occurs when two compounds exchange ions to form new compounds. When silver nitrate and sodium chloride solutions are mixed, a double displacement occurs: AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl (white precipitate) + NaNO3. AgCl is insoluble, forming a white precipitate.

Procedure

  1. Take a test tube and add 2 mL of silver nitrate solution
  2. Add 2 mL of sodium chloride solution dropwise using a dropper
  3. Observe the formation of a white precipitate immediately
  4. Continue adding NaCl until no more precipitate forms (slight excess)
  5. Note the appearance of the precipitate
  6. Filter the mixture to separate the precipitate from the solution
  7. Wash the precipitate with distilled water
  8. Dry the precipitate and observe its color and texture

Observation

When silver nitrate is mixed with sodium chloride solution, a white precipitate forms immediately. The precipitate is silver chloride (AgCl). The solution becomes turbid. The white precipitate is insoluble in water and settles at the bottom.

Result

A double displacement reaction is demonstrated by the formation of white silver chloride precipitate. The reaction is: AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl (white ppt.) + NaNO3.

Precautions

  • Handle silver nitrate carefully as it can stain skin and clothes black
  • Avoid splashing solutions
  • Use appropriate quantities to avoid waste
  • Do not use excess reagents
  • Dispose of the precipitate as chemical waste safely

Viva Questions

What is a double displacement reaction?

A double displacement reaction is when two compounds exchange ions to form two new compounds.

What is the color of silver chloride precipitate?

Silver chloride precipitate is white in color.

Why does a precipitate form?

A precipitate forms because silver chloride is insoluble in water.

Write the equation for the reaction.

AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl (white ppt.) + NaNO3

More Class 10 Chemistry Practicals

  • To Prepare a True Solution and Observe the Tyndall Effect
  • To Find the pH of Samples Using Indicators
  • To Test Acids and Bases with Indicators
  • To Verify the Law of Conservation of Mass
  • To Study the Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate
  • To Determine Melting and Boiling Points of a Pure Substance

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