14. A student combines solutions of silver nitrate, AgNO_(3), and sodium chromate, Na_(2)CrO_(4) and observes that a reddish-brown solid forms.Based on this observation, which type of a reaction can the student infer has occurred? acid-base reaction decomposition reaction combustion reaction precipitation reaction

The student is combining solutions of silver nitrate ($AgNO_{3}$) and sodium chromate ($Na_{2}CrO_{4}$). The formation of a reddish-brown solid indicates that a chemical reaction has occurred. This solid is likely silver chromate ($Ag_{2}CrO_{4}$), which is insoluble in water and precipitates out of the solution. This is a classic example of a precipitation reaction, where two soluble ionic compounds in solution are combined and one of the products is an insoluble ionic compound that forms a solid. The other options, acid-base reaction, decomposition reaction, and combustion reaction, do not apply in this case. An acid-base reaction would involve the transfer of a proton (H+), a decomposition reaction would involve a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler substances, and a combustion reaction would involve a hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, the correct answer is a precipitation reaction.