Final answer:
Mixing a BaCl2 solution with a K2SO4 solution will result in a precipitation reaction, with the net ionic equation: Ba2+ (aq) + SO42- (aq) → BaSO4 (s).
Step-by-step explanation:
In predicting whether a precipitation reaction will occur between two solutions, we look at the potential products and check their solubility. For the provided options:
- (a) Combining a NaNO3 solution with a CuSO4 solution would not result in a precipitation reaction as all potential products (Na2SO4 and Cu(NO3)2) are soluble in water.
- (b) Mixing a BaCl2 solution with a K2SO4 solution would likely result in a precipitation reaction as BaSO4 is insoluble in water.
The net ionic equation for the precipitation reaction of BaCl2 and K2SO4 is:
Ba2+ (aq) + SO42- (aq) → BaSO4 (s)