What observation is made when halide ions react with silver nitrate in the presence of dilute nitric acid?

When halide ions react with silver nitrate in the presence of dilute nitric acid, the key observation is that different colored precipitates are formed based on the type of halide ion present. Each halide ion (chloride, bromide, and iodide) reacts with silver nitrate to produce a distinct silver halide precipitate, which has a characteristic color:

• Silver chloride forms a white precipitate.

• Silver bromide forms a cream-colored precipitate.

• Silver iodide forms a yellow precipitate.

This variation in color is a helpful visual cue for identifying which halide ion is present in the solution. The formation of these distinctive colored precipitates in response to the specific halide ions is what supports the conclusion that different colors are observed. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes this important aspect of the reaction.