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Which of the following choices will not form a precipitate when they are mixed?

1) Sodium chloride (NaCl)
2) Silver nitrate (AgNO₃)
3) Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
4) Iron(III) chloride (FeCl3)

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Without additional solutions to mix with, we can't definitively say which will not form a precipitate; however, based on solubility rules, sodium chloride (NaCl) is unlikely to form a precipitate as most chlorides are soluble.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which of the following choices will not form a precipitate when mixed, you need to consider the solubility rules. These rules indicate which combinations of ions will result in the formation of an insoluble compound:

  • Sodium chloride (NaCl)
  • Silver nitrate (AgNO₃)
  • Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
  • Iron(III) chloride (FeCl3)

Based on the solubility rules provided:

  • All nitrates are soluble, including silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and any resulting nitrates from potential mixing.
  • Most chlorides are soluble except for silver, lead(II), and mercury(I) chlorides. This means sodium chloride (NaCl) will remain dissolved when mixed with other solutions.
  • All carbonates are insoluble except those of potassium, sodium, and ammonium. Since calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is mentioned, we know it is generally insoluble.
  • Most common iron(III) compounds are insoluble, including many iron(III) salts when mixed with other anions.

Given these rules, when iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) is mixed with other solutions, it is likely to form a precipitate depending on what it is mixed with, given that most iron(III) compound combinations are insoluble. However, the question does not specify another solution to mix them with, thus we cannot provide a definitive answer without knowing what the other reactant is. Therefore, based on the information at hand, we can say that sodium chloride (NaCl) will not likely form a precipitate when mixed with other solutions in general, as most chlorides are soluble, except for a few exceptions that do not include sodium.

User Roland Illig
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