Question

After addition of ammonium sulfate to an unknown solution, no precipitate forms. After addition of ammonium carbonate to the unknown solution, a white precipitate forms. Which possible metal ions are present?

Answer 1

The possible metal ions present in the unknown solution can be determined based on the lack of precipitate with ammonium sulfate and the formation of a white precipitate with ammonium carbonate. This suggests the presence of metal ions that form insoluble carbonates in Group 4 of the solubility rules.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the provided information, the possible metal ions present in the unknown solution can be determined. When ammonium sulfate is added, no precipitate forms, indicating the absence of metal ions that form insoluble sulfides in Group 3. However, when ammonium carbonate is added, a white precipitate forms, suggesting the presence of metal ions that form insoluble carbonates in Group 4.

The metal ions that can be present in the unknown solution are the ones that form insoluble carbonates, such as calcium (Ca²+), lead (Pb²+), and silver (Ag+). These metal ions can react with carbonate ions (CO3²-) from ammonium carbonate to form white precipitates.

It is important to note that further confirmatory tests or additional information would be needed to determine the exact metal ions present in the unknown solution.