Which of the following chemical reactions is an example of a double displacement reaction?

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The correct answer is Option C: AgNO_{3} + NaCl \rightarrow AgCl + NaNO_{3}. A double displacement reaction is a chemical process where two reacting compounds exchange their ions to form two new compounds. In the reaction between silver nitrate and sodium chloride, the silver ($Ag^{+}$) and sodium ($Na^{+}$) ions swap places to produce silver chloride and sodium nitrate.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
A double displacement reaction is a chemical process where two reacting compounds exchange their ions to form two new compounds. In the reaction between silver nitrate and sodium chloride, the silver ($Ag^{+}$) and sodium ($Na^{+}$) ions swap places to produce silver chloride and sodium nitrate.

Working Principle: This reaction typically occurs in an aqueous solution where the reactants dissociate into ions. The formation of an insoluble product, such as the white precipitate of silver chloride ($AgCl$), drives the reaction to completion according to the principle of precipitation. The general form is $AB + CD \rightarrow AD + CB$.

Key Formulas: $AgNO_{3} + NaCl \rightarrow AgCl(s) + NaNO_{3}$ — Double displacement reaction forming a precipitate; $Fe + CuSO_{4} \rightarrow FeSO_{4} + Cu$ — Single displacement reaction

Key Points: Double displacement reactions often result in the formation of a precipitate ($AgCl$ is insoluble in water).; They are generally characterized by the exchange of ions between the reactants.; This type of reaction is also known as a metathesis reaction.

Advantages: Useful for precipitating specific ions from a solution for analytical purposes.; Essential in industrial synthesis of various salts.

Disadvantages: Can be difficult to separate the products if both remain in solution.; Reaction speed depends heavily on the concentration and solubility of the ions.

Applications: Precipitation of silver salts in photography.; Neutralization reactions (an acid-base double displacement).

Additional Info: Option A is a single displacement reaction because iron replaces copper.. Option B is a combination reaction as two reactants form one product.. Option D is a decomposition reaction because one reactant splits into multiple products.. Silver chloride ($AgCl$) is a white precipitate.

Answer: C is correct — It is the only reaction where both reactants exchange ions to form two new compounds.

Exam Tip: Always check the number of reactants and products: if two reactants trade partners to form two new products, it is almost certainly a double displacement reaction.

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Option A: Fe + CuSO_{4} \rightarrow FeSO_{4} + Cu

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Option B: 2H_{2} + O_{2} \rightarrow 2H_{2}O

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Option D: CaCO_{3} \rightarrow CaO + CO_{2}

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