Question

Does a precipitate form when a solution of sodium acetate and a solution of calcium chloride and a solution of mercury(i) nitrate are mixed together?

Answer 1

A. Sodium acetate + Ammonium sulphate

The balanced chemical reaction would be:

2 CH3COONa (aq) + (NH4)2SO4 (aq) --> 2 CH3COONH4 (aq) + Na2SO4 (s)

Na2SO4 is a salt and will precipitate out in normal conditions. Therefore yes there is a precipitate.

B. Calcium chloride + Mercury(i) Nitrate

The balanced chemical reaction would be:

CaCl2 (aq) + 2 HgNO3 (aq) --> 2 HgCl (aq) + Ca(NO3)2 (aq)

All product are soluble and therefore there is no precipitate.