Which statement about this reaction is FALSE?
AgNO3 + NaCl -> AgCl + NaNO3
A. This is one kind of metathesis reaction, where molecules exchange atoms.
B. This reaction produces a gas.
C. This is a precipitation reaction.
D. The equation is balanced
I answered this below.
To determine which statement about the reaction is false, let's go through each option and explain how to verify its correctness:
A. This is one kind of metathesis reaction, where molecules exchange atoms.
- To determine if this statement is true or false, we need to understand the definition of a metathesis reaction. Metathesis reactions involve the exchange of ions between reactants, resulting in the formation of different compounds. In the given reaction, AgNO3 and NaCl exchange ions to form AgCl and NaNO3. This conforms to the definition of a metathesis reaction, so this statement is true.
B. This reaction produces a gas.
- To determine if this statement is true or false, we need to analyze the reaction equation. Looking at AgNO3 and NaCl, there are no gas-forming compounds present. By examining the product side, AgCl and NaNO3 are both solid compounds, indicating that no gas is produced in this reaction. Therefore, this statement is false.
C. This is a precipitation reaction.
- A precipitation reaction occurs when an insoluble solid (precipitate) forms during a chemical reaction. In the given reaction, the formation of AgCl is a solid precipitate. Therefore, this statement is true.
D. The equation is balanced.
- To determine if this statement is true or false, we need to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides of the reaction equation is equal. Counting the number of atoms, we have:
Ag: 1 on both sides
N: 1 on both sides
O: 3 on both sides
Na: 1 on both sides
Cl: 1 on both sides
Since the number of atoms is balanced, this statement is true.
In conclusion, the false statement about this reaction is:
B. This reaction produces a gas.