What color precipitate indicates the presence of chloride ions when using AgNO3?

The presence of chloride ions in a solution is indicated by the formation of a white precipitate when silver nitrate (AgNO3) is added. This reaction occurs because silver ions (Ag+) react with chloride ions (Cl-) to form silver chloride (AgCl), which is insoluble in water. The chemical equation for this reaction is:

Ag⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → AgCl(s)

The silver chloride precipitate is distinctly white, making it easy to identify in a laboratory setting. This characteristic coloration is a key diagnostic feature used to confirm the presence of chloride ions in qualitative analysis.

In contrast, other halides yield different colors of precipitates when treated with silver nitrate: bromides produce a cream-colored precipitate and iodides result in a yellow precipitate. These distinctive colors assist in differentiating between the various halide ions present in a sample. The other answer choices represent these other possibilities, but for chloride ions specifically, the correct indication is the formation of a white precipitate.