Final answer:
NaCl(aq) and SiO₂(s) can be separated using filtration, as NaCl is soluble in water and SiO₂ is insoluble. The process takes advantage of the physical state difference, allowing dissolved NaCl to pass through a filter, leaving SiO₂ as a residue.
Step-by-step explanation:
NaCl (sodium chloride) when dissolved in water, undergoes dissociation, where the ionic crystal lattice breaks apart, resulting in the formation of Na+ and Cl- ions in solution. On the other hand, SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) remains solid since it is not soluble in water due to its strong covalent bonds. To separate NaCl (aq) and SiO₂ (s), the process of filtration can be used. Filtration takes advantage of the physical state difference - NaCl being in solution (aqueous) and SiO₂ being a solid. The mixture is passed through a filter, which allows the liquid to go through while retaining the solid SiO₂. By this process, the dissolved NaCl passes through the filter, leaving behind SiO₂.
If we consider reactions in solution, it is essential to understand that solubility rules and products of reactions such as precipitates, gases, or molecular compounds like water may dictate the reaction's direction. Dissociation equations are instrumental in representing such reactions where ionic compounds dissolve and separate into their constituent ions. For example, a double-replacement reaction might result in the formation of a solid precipitate which can be filtered out, as shown with the reaction between NaCl (aq) and AgNO₃ (aq) to precipitate AgCl (s) and form NaNO₃ (aq). Ultimately, the knowledge of solubility products and solubility rules allows us to predict the behavior of ions in a solution and effectively separate them if needed.