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Ten drops of 1.0 M Na2CO3 are placed into each of two small test tubes. To the f

ID: 543188 • Letter: T

Question

Ten drops of 1.0 M Na2CO3 are placed into each of two small test tubes. To the first test tube, 2 drops of 0.1 M Ca(NO3)2 is added, and to the second test tube, 2 drops of 0.1 M Mg(NO3)2 is added. Describe the likely observations for each test tube and state how these results could or could not be used to distinguish between the cations Ten drops of 1.0 M Na2CO3 are placed into each of two small test tubes. To the first test tube, 2 drops of 0.1 M Ca(NO3)2 is added, and to the second test tube, 2 drops of 0.1 M Mg(NO3)2 is added. Describe the likely observations for each test tube and state how these results could or could not be used to distinguish between the cations Ten drops of 1.0 M Na2CO3 are placed into each of two small test tubes. To the first test tube, 2 drops of 0.1 M Ca(NO3)2 is added, and to the second test tube, 2 drops of 0.1 M Mg(NO3)2 is added. Describe the likely observations for each test tube and state how these results could or could not be used to distinguish between the cations

Explanation / Answer

Note that

Na2CO3 = slightly basic, since Na2CO3 in solution will form Na+ CO3-2

which then makes hydrolysis

CO3-2 + H2O --> HCO- + OH-

therefore, this medium is alkaline --> OH- is present

then

NO3- solutions are always soluble so..

Mg+2 + 2OH-- >Mg(OH)2(s)

Ca+2 + 2OH- --> Ca(OH)2(s)

both will form white precipitates

The results can't help us differ from Mg or Ca, since both are alkaline earths, we quires other tests such as flame test