<P> Precipitation is the creation of a solid from a solution . When the reaction occurs in a liquid solution , the solid formed is called the ' precipitate ' . The chemical that causes the solid to form is called the ' precipitant ' . Without sufficient force of gravity ( settling ) to bring the solid particles together , the precipitate remains in suspension . After sedimentation , especially when using a centrifuge to press it into a compact mass , the precipitate may be referred to as a ' pellet ' . Precipitation can be used as a medium . The precipitate - free liquid remaining above the solid is called the ' supernate ' or ' supernatant ' . Powders derived from precipitation have also historically been known as ' flowers ' . When the solid appears in the form of cellulose fibers which have been through chemical processing , the process is often referred to as regeneration . </P>
when does precipitate form in a chemical reaction
When the reaction occurs in a liquid solution