# When silver nitrate solution is added to sodium chloride solution, a white solid forms immediately and the solution becomes cloudy. Explain why this is a chemical change rather than a physical change.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — C4 Chemical changes · Explain · 4 marks

> Silver nitrate solution and sodium chloride solution are both colourless liquids. When they are mixed, a white solid forms that cannot be separated back into silver nitrate and sodium chloride by filtering alone.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A new substance (silver chloride) is formed
2. The change is irreversible / cannot be easily reversed
3. In a physical change, no new substance is formed / the substance keeps its original properties
4. The properties of the products are different from the reactants, showing a chemical reaction has occurred

## Key terms

- [chemical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chemical-change)
- [physical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/physical-change)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/when-silver-nitrate-solution-is-added-a950588d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.