What kind of reaction occurs when silver nitrate is added to chloride ions?

When silver nitrate is added to chloride ions, a precipitation reaction takes place. In this type of reaction, two soluble ionic compounds react in solution to form an insoluble product, known as a precipitate.

In the case of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and chloride ions (Cl⁻), the silver ions (Ag⁺) from silver nitrate combine with the chloride ions to form silver chloride (AgCl), which is an insoluble compound. When the precipitation occurs, it appears as solid particles in the solution, confirming that a reaction has taken place.

Precipitation reactions are characterized by the formation of a solid from two soluble reactants, making this option the most accurate description of the process occurring when silver nitrate interacts with chloride ions.