A precipitate is a solid substance that forms when two aqueous solutions react and produce an insoluble compound. It appears as fine particles suspended in the solution or as a solid settling at the bottom.
Related terms
Aqueous Solution: A solution where water is the solvent, meaning it is what dissolves other substances.
Solubility Rules: Guidelines used to predict whether an ionic compound will be soluble or insoluble in water based on the combination of its ions.
Supernatant: The clear liquid above a precipitate after it settles at the bottom of a container.