Precipitation

Definition

The return of dissolved species to the solid state when water can no longer keep dissolution favorable.

Calcium carbonate precipitates eagerly when conditions shift, waiting near a thermodynamic edge ready to return to solid. Precipitation is the reverse of dissolution and occurs when ΔG flips to favor the solid. It is the mechanism behind scale on heat exchangers, boilers, and cooling tower surfaces.

Related concepts

Carbonate Scale Formation · Solubility · Gibbs Free Energy

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry