(i) What is observed when a solution of potassium iodide is added to a solution of lead nitrate taken in a test tube?
(ii) What type of reaction in this?.
(iii) Write a balanced chemical equation to represent the above reaction.
Chemical reactions
A process by one or more substances called reactants are converted to different substances called products is called a chemical reaction. A chemical reaction is represented by a chemical equation which gives the identity and relative mass of reactants and products. There are different types of chemical reactions based on the chemical changes that occur in a reactant and the nature of the product formed.
Reaction of Potassium iodide with Lead nitrate
(i) When a solution of Potassium iodide (KI) is added to a solution of Lead nitrate (PbNO3) taken in a test tube, a yellow solid precipitate of Lead iodide (PbI2) is formed. The other product formed is Potassium nitrate (KNO3) which remains in solution.
(ii) A chemical reaction in which one component each of both the reactants are exchanged to form two new products is called a double displacement reaction. In this reaction iodide ions and nitrate ions of Potassium iodide and Lead nitrate are exchanged to form Lead iodide and Potassium nitrate. Therefore, this reaction is an example of double displacement reaction.
Reactions that involve the formation of a solid precipitate as a result of a reaction between two solutions are called precipitation reactions. Due to formation of a solid precipitate, Lead iodide, the reaction can also be called a precipitation reaction.
(iii) A balanced chemical equation represents the identity of the reactants and products with their relative mole equivalents. The states of the reactants and products are also mentioned n the balanced chemical equation.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between Potassium iodide and Lead nitrate is:
(Potassium (Lead nitrate) (Lead (Potassium nitrate)
Iodide) iodide)