What is the result of a chloride test when using silver nitrate?

In a chloride test, when a sample containing chloride ions is treated with silver nitrate, the result is the formation of a white precipitate of silver chloride. This occurs due to a double displacement reaction in which silver ions (Ag⁺) from the silver nitrate react with chloride ions (Cl⁻) to form silver chloride (AgCl), which is insoluble in water.

The formation of the white precipitate is a hallmark of the presence of chloride ions in the solution. This test is a qualitative analysis method used to confirm the presence of chlorides, and the white color of the precipitate is a distinct characteristic that can be visually identified. If no chloride ions are present, there will be no precipitate formed, leading to a clear solution, which is why other options suggesting precipitates of different colors or a colorless solution are not correct in the context of the chloride test.