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 cationsExplanation / 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