The reaction between calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) results in the formation of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) and ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl). Here are the details:
1. Balanced Molecular Equation:
\[ \text{CaCl}_2 (aq) + \text{(NH}_4\text{)}_2\text{SO}_4 (aq) \rightarrow \text{CaSO}_4 (s) + 2\text{NH}_4\text{Cl} (aq) \]
2. Complete Ionic Equation:
\[ \text{Ca}^{2+} (aq) + 2\text{Cl}^- (aq) + 2\text{NH}_4^+ (aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-} (aq) \rightarrow \text{CaSO}_4 (s) + 2\text{NH}_4^+ (aq) + 2\text{Cl}^- (aq) \]
3. Net Ionic Equation:
In the net ionic equation, we cancel out the spectator ions, which are the ions that do not participate in the formation of the precipitate:
\[ \text{Ca}^{2+} (aq) + \text{SO}_4^{2-} (aq) \rightarrow \text{CaSO}_4 (s) \]
Observations:
When calcium chloride and ammonium sulfate are mixed:
- A white precipitate of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) forms, indicating a chemical reaction has occurred.
- The solution might turn cloudy due to the precipitation of CaSO₄.
These observations can help identify that a reaction is indeed taking place, resulting in the formation of an insoluble product (the precipitate).