Write a molecular equation for the reaction of silver nitrate and sodium chloride

The reaction of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl) results in the formation of silver chloride (AgCl) and sodium nitrate (NaNO₃). The molecular equation for this reaction can be written as follows:

$\text{AgNO}_3 (aq) + \text{NaCl} (aq) \rightarrow \text{AgCl} (s) + \text{NaNO}_3 (aq)$

Explanation:

1. Reactants: Silver nitrate and sodium chloride are both soluble in water and exist as aqueous solutions (denoted by (aq)).
2. Products: Silver chloride is insoluble in water and precipitates out of the solution (denoted by (s) for solid), while sodium nitrate remains soluble in the solution.

This reaction is an example of a double displacement reaction, where the anions and cations of the reactants switch partners. The formation of the solid silver chloride is a key feature of this reaction.