Question

You are given a solution that is a mixture of Ag(NO₃) (aq), Co(NO₃)₂ (aq), and Fe(NO₃)₃ (aq). Devise an experimental procedure using the anions K₂CrO₄ (aq), Na₂CO₃ (aq), KI (aq), NaOH (aq), and NH₃ (aq) to separate the metal ions from each other, resulting in three separate beakers, each containing only one of the metals. Provide chemical equations to support your response.

Answer 1

To separate the metal ions from the given solution, you can perform specific experiments using K₂CrO₄, Na₂CO₃, and KI. Adding K₂CrO₄ will identify Ag⁺ ions, Na₂CO₃ will identify Co²⁺ ions, and KI will identify Fe³⁺ ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

To separate the metal ions in the solution, you can use a series of experiments with the given anions. Here is a step-by-step procedure:

1. Add K2CrO4 (aq) to the solution. If Ag+ is present, a red color precipitate of Ag2CrO4 (s) will form.
2. Add Na2CO3 (aq) to the remaining solution. If Co2+ is present, a blue color precipitate of CoCO3 (s) will form.
3. Add KI (aq) to the remaining solution. If Fe3+ is present, a brown color precipitate of FeI3 (s) will form.

Net ionic equations:

1. 2 Ag+ (aq) + CrO42- (aq) → Ag2CrO4 (s)
2. Co2+ (aq) + CO32- (aq) → CoCO3 (s)
3. Fe3+ (aq) + 3I- (aq) → FeI3 (s)