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Ch.17 - Applications of Aqueous Equilibria
Chapter 17, Problem 152a

In qualitative analysis, Ca2+ and Ba2+ are seperated from Na+, K+, Mg2+ by adding aqueous (NH4)2CO3 to a solution that also contains aqueous NH3 (Figure 17.18). Assume that the concentrations after mixing are 0.080 M (NH4)2CO3 and 0.16 M NH3. (a) List all the Bronsted-Lowry acids and bases present initially, and identify the principal reaction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Brønsted-Lowry Theory

The Brønsted-Lowry theory defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors. This framework helps in understanding acid-base reactions by focusing on the transfer of protons (H+ ions) between species. In the context of the given question, identifying the acids and bases involves recognizing which species can donate or accept protons in the solution.
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Bronsted-Lowry Acid-Base Theory

Complex Ion Formation

In qualitative analysis, certain metal ions can form complex ions with ligands, which can affect their solubility and reactivity. For instance, the presence of NH3 can lead to the formation of complex ions with Ca2+ and Ba2+, influencing their separation from other cations. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting the behavior of ions in the solution when (NH4)2CO3 is added.
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Precipitation Reactions

Precipitation reactions occur when two soluble salts react to form an insoluble compound, or precipitate. In this scenario, the addition of (NH4)2CO3 can lead to the formation of insoluble carbonates of Ca2+ and Ba2+, allowing for their separation from other cations. Recognizing the conditions under which precipitation occurs is essential for analyzing the principal reactions in the solution.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

A 40.0 mL sample of a mixture of HCl and H3PO4 was titrated with 0.100 M NaOH. The first equivalence point was reached after 88.0 mL of base, and the second equiva-lence point was reached after 126.4 mL of base. (f) What indicators would you select to signal the equiva-lence points?

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Textbook Question
A 1.000 L sample of HCl gas at 25°C and 732.0 mm Hg was absorbed completely in an aqueous solution that contained 6.954 g of Na2CO3 and 250.0 g of water. (a) What is the pH of the solution?
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Textbook Question
A saturated solution of an ionic salt MX exhibits an osmotic pressure of 74.4 mm Hg at 25 °C. Assuming that MX is completely dissociated in solution, what is the value of its Ksp?
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Textbook Question

A railroad tank car derails and spills 36 tons of concen-trated sulfuric acid. The acid is 98.0 mass% H2SO4 and has a density of 1.836 g/mL. (a) What is the molarity of the acid?

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Textbook Question

A railroad tank car derails and spills 36 tons of concentrated sulfuric acid. The acid is 98.0 mass% H2SO4 and has a density of 1.836 g/mL. (b) How many kilograms of sodium carbonate are needed to completely neutralize the acid?

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Textbook Question
Some progressive hair coloring products marketed to men, such as Grecian Formula 16, contain lead acetate Pb(CH3CO2)2. As the coloring solution is rubbed on the hhair, the Pb2+ ions react with the sulfur atoms in hair proteins to give lead(II) sulfide (PbS), which is black. A typical coloring solution contains 0.3 mass% Pb(CH3CO2)2, and about 2 mL of the solution is used per application. (b) Suppose the hair is washed with shampoo and water that has pH = 5.50. How many washings would be required to remove 50% of the black color? Assume that 3 gal of water is used per washing and that the water becomes saturated with PbS. (c) Does the calculated number of washings look reason-able, given that frequent application of the coloring solution is recommended? What process(es) in addition to dissolution might contribute to the loss of color?
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