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How can chloride ions be identified with silver nitrate?

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A labeled diagram of the chlorine element from the periodic table shows its atomic number 17, symbol Cl, electron configuration, and atomic weight range. The box is shaded green to indicate chlorine is a halogen, with icons for orthorhombic crystal structure, gas state at room temperature, and strong acidity. A key explains the icons and colors used. — chlorine Properties of chlorine.

To identify chloride ions using silver nitrate (AgNO₃), you add the reagent to a sample in the presence of dilute nitric acid (HNO₃). The presence of chloride ions is indicated by the formation of a white precipitate of silver chloride (AgCl). This resulting precipitate is soluble when ammonia is added.1