What Is the Mystery Acid in Test Tube #3?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying an unknown acid in test tube number 3, which is described as colorless, odorless, and having a very low pH value. Participants explore the implications of the acid's lack of reaction with eight provided reactants, considering both theoretical and practical aspects of acid-base chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether every acid would react with at least one of the eight reactants, suggesting the possibility of an acid that does not react at all.
  • Another participant proposes starting by eliminating known strong acids to narrow down possibilities.
  • There is uncertainty about the interpretation of "low" pH, with one participant suggesting it could indicate either a strong or weak acid depending on the context.
  • A participant mentions that HNO3 could be the acid in question, arguing that it is always soluble and would not produce a visible reaction.
  • Another participant agrees with the idea that the lack of visual reaction could imply the acid is indeed HNO3.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the problem and the characteristics of the unknown acid. There is no consensus on the identity of the acid, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the lack of reaction with the listed reactants.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the definitions of acids and bases, as well as the potential for misinterpretation of pH values. The discussion highlights the complexity of identifying an acid based solely on its reactivity with specific reactants.

ldixon
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I have a question on a pre-lab that I have to do. The question is:

You determine that test tube number 3 is an acid. It is colorless, odorless and has a very low pH value. You test the sample with all eight(8) reactants available and find no reaction(NR). What is the acid? Explain your answer.

The 8 reactants in the lab are:

KOH
AgNO3
BaCl2
NaCl
NH3(aq)
Ba(OH)2
H2SO4
Cu(NO3)2

I could not figure this out, it seems to me that every acid would react with at leat one of these? Is there an acid that would have no reaction with all of these?
 
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Start out with what you know is not an acid, then determine which is a notable strong acid and cancel that. this will help you start out
 
Im not sure what you mean, I don't know what the acid is that has no reaction with all 8 of the listed reactants?
 
do you know what every acid contains in it? if not what about a base? Also does you book give a list of salts?
 
Last edited:
Yes acids contain H+ and bases contain OH, and yes I think there is a list of salts in the book.
 
im not quite sure what they mean by "low" on the pH scale if low means a low number such as 1 or 2 then its strong, if it means a low number implying that its weak it would be like 6-6.5. Is that exactly what the question reads as written? If so it may be a little more complicated than i originally though
 
yes low PH means a low number, the problem is written just like that. I can not figure anything out for it.
 
I originally read the problem thinking which one of the given 8 acids/bases/salts were the acid which i knew was easy. Re-reading it however i noticed that you need to know what acid it would be. I did a little searching to help you and came up with this. http://www.wwnorton.com/chemistry/concepts/chapter5/ch5_4.htm

Strong bases= Very good electrolytes
 
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Ok I think it would be HNO3 because it is always soluble with no exceptions, so there would be no visual reaction? Does that sound legit?
 
  • #10
Yes, that sounds legit to me.
 
  • #11
Reading over the main question yet another time does it imply that nr is not taking place because nothing visually happened? If so i agree with you.
 

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