Preparing Cation Solutions Using Nitrates

[extraordinarygirl]

We did a lab using cation solutions, and they were prepared using compounds that contain the nitrate ion. (ex. Ca 2+ was prepared by dissolving Ca(NO3)2 in water. Why did they used nitrates to make these solutions?

Would it be because nitrates always form soluble solutions, so it would not be difficult to separate the two elements by dissolving it in water?

 

[ShawnD]

Why did they used nitrates to make these solutions?
Would it be because nitrates always form soluble solutions, so it would not be difficult to separate the two elements by dissolving it in water?

That's exactly why.

 

[GCT]

We did a lab using cation solutions, and they were prepared using compounds that contain the nitrate ion. (ex. Ca 2+ was prepared by dissolving Ca(NO3)2 in water. Why did they used nitrates to make these solutions?

depending on the exact nature of the lab