Silver Sulfate Precipitate Color

Silver sulfate is a white, crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water. When silver sulfate reacts with an aqueous solution containing chloride ions, it forms a white precipitate of silver chloride:

Ag2SO4 (aq) + 2NaCl (aq) → 2AgCl (s) + Na2SO4 (aq)

The color of the silver chloride precipitate can vary depending on several factors such as particle size, concentration, and purity. Generally, freshly precipitated silver chloride appears as a pale yellow or creamy white solid. However, upon exposure to light, the color of the precipitate can change to a grayish-purple or even black color due to the formation of small particles of metallic silver.

It should be noted that the color of the precipitate can also be affected by impurities or other substances present in the reaction mixture. For example, if the sample contains organic matter, the precipitate may appear brownish instead of white.

In summary, the color of silver sulfate precipitate when reacted with chloride ions results in a white precipitate of silver chloride that can vary in color depending on factors such as particle size, concentration, purity, and the presence of impurities.