What term describes the formation of a solid from two aqueous solutions?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 Chemistry – Aqueous Chemistry (AS91393) Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel on your exam!

The term that describes the formation of a solid from two aqueous solutions is precipitation. In chemistry, precipitation refers to a reaction in which soluble substances in two solutions combine to form an insoluble product, known as a precipitate. This process typically occurs when the product of the reaction has low solubility in water, causing it to settle out of the solution as a solid.

For example, when barium chloride is mixed with sodium sulfate in aqueous solution, barium sulfate forms as a white precipitate due to its low solubility in water. This visual cue is an indicator of the precipitation reaction taking place.

The other terms in the choices relate to different chemical processes. Hydrolysis refers to the reaction of a substance with water, often involving the breaking down of compounds into smaller molecules. Neutralization is the reaction between an acid and a base to produce water and a salt. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons from a substance during a chemical reaction. None of these processes involves the formation of a solid from two aqueous solutions in the context of precipitation.

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