Identify Solutions in Beakers A, B & C

[SpecialKM]

There are 3 beakers with solutions inside of the beakers A B and C, however the labels have fallen off!

The labels of the solutions are: MgSO4, CaCl2, and AgNO3.

Explain the steps you would use to determine which beaker has which solution inside of each of the three beakers.

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My first intuition is that you need to precipitate something, I just don't know what. :(

 

[Borek]

Follow your intuition then.

Are you allowed to use additional reagents, or can you use only the three listed? In the latter case I am not convinced all three solutions can be properly identified.

 

[SpecialKM]

We can do what ever we want with it! Well, what I think is that first we take a sample of each and add Ca 2+ ions (CaO) to each, and it should then create a precipitate of CaSO4. After that take additional samples from each and add sulphide ions (Na2S) to then form a precipitate of Ag2S.

That's what I think, is this correct?

 

[Borek]

CaO as a source of Ca²⁺? Think it over.

Na₂S will work, but silver can be detected much simpler, with much more common reagent.

 

[DeeNos]

As a scientist, my approach would be to first observe the physical properties of each solution in the beakers. I would look at the color, clarity, and any visible particles or precipitates in the solutions. This initial observation can give some indication of what the solutions may be.

Next, I would use chemical tests to identify the ions present in each solution. For example, I could use a flame test to identify the presence of magnesium, calcium, or silver ions. I could also use reagents specific to each ion, such as adding sodium hydroxide to test for the presence of silver ions.

Another method would be to measure the pH of each solution. This can give an indication of the type of ion present, as different ions have different effects on pH.

If these initial tests do not provide a clear answer, I would then perform more specific tests based on the properties of each known solution. For example, I could add a carbonate solution to test for the presence of calcium ions, as calcium carbonate is insoluble and would form a precipitate.

Overall, the key is to use a combination of observation and specific tests to identify the solutions in each beaker. By carefully analyzing the physical and chemical properties, it is possible to determine which beaker contains which solution.