The reaction is a double displacement reaction, where ions from the reactants exchange to form a precipitate (BaSO₄) and a soluble product (sodium chloride).
What type of reaction occurs when barium sulfate precipitates from the reaction between sulfate ions and barium ions?
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The precipitation reaction occurs when sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) react with barium ions (Ba²⁺), resulting in the formation of an insoluble salt, barium sulfate (BaSO₄). The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Ba²⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq) → BaSO₄(s)
This reaction is a type of double displacement or metathesis reaction, specifically a precipitation reaction. In a double displacement reaction, ions exchange partners, leading to the formation of a solid precipitate, which, in this case, is barium sulfate. The reaction is driven by the low solubility of barium sulfate in water, causing it to precipitate out of the solution.