Question

Addition of ammonium sulfate to an unknown solution yields no precipitate. Addition of ammonium carbonate produces a white precipitate. Which are the possible metal ions. What further reactions or experiments will you do to narrow down your choices?

Answer 1

The possible metal ions in the unknown solution can be determined based on their reactions with ammonium sulfate and ammonium carbonate. Further reactions or experiments can be done to narrow down the choices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The possible metal ions in the unknown solution can be determined based on their reactions with ammonium sulfate and ammonium carbonate.

If the addition of ammonium sulfate does not produce a precipitate, it suggests that none of the cations react with sulfate ions to form an insoluble salt.

However, if the addition of ammonium carbonate produces a white precipitate, it indicates that the unknown solution contains metal ions that react with carbonate ions to form an insoluble carbonate salt.

To narrow down the choices, further reactions or experiments can be done:

• 1. Add a small amount of barium chloride solution to the unknown solution. If a white precipitate is formed, it suggests the presence of sulfate ions in the unknown solution.
• 2. Add a small amount of silver nitrate solution to the unknown solution. If a white precipitate is formed, it indicates the presence of chloride ions in the unknown solution.
• 3. Prepare a solution of the unknown salt using distilled water and add a small amount of sodium carbonate. If a white precipitate is formed, it suggests the presence of carbonate ions in the unknown solution.