What precipitate forms when chloride ions are tested with acidified dilute nitric acid and silver nitrate?

• A. White precipitate.
• B. Cream precipitate.
• C. Yellow precipitate.
• D. No precipitate.

Answer: (A)

Testing for chloride ions with silver nitrate in acidic solution relies on silver ions reacting with chloride ions to form silver chloride, which is an insoluble white solid that precipitates out. The dilute nitric acid creates the right acidic environment and helps suppress other reactions, so the observed solid specifically indicates chloride is present. Silver chloride’s white color distinguishes it from other halide precipitates, like the pale cream of bromide or the yellow of iodide. Therefore, the precipitate you see is white.