The reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl) is a chemical reaction. This can be determined by several key indicators:
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Formation of a Precipitate: The appearance of a white precipitate, known as silver chloride (AgCl), indicates that a chemical change has occurred. In this reaction, the ions from the two solutions combine to form a new substance that is not soluble in water, which results in the formation of the solid precipitate.
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Change in Properties: The properties of the original substances (the clear solutions of silver nitrate and sodium chloride) differ from those of the products (the white precipitate of silver chloride and the remaining sodium nitrate solution). This change in physical state and properties is characteristic of a chemical reaction.
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Chemical Equation: The reaction can be represented by the following chemical equation: \[ \text{AgNO}_3 (aq) + \text{NaCl} (aq) \rightarrow \text{AgCl} (s) + \text{NaNO}_3 (aq) \] Here, the formation of solid AgCl indicates a chemical change as new substances are formed.
In summary, the formation of a precipitate, changes in properties, and the chemical equation all indicate that this is a chemical reaction.