A solution may contain NaCl,MgCl₂,and/or AlCl₃.When sodium hydroxide is added,a white precipitate forms that dissolves as more NaOH is added.Therefore, A)the solution definitely contains AlCl₃ and cannot contain MgCl₂. B)the solution contains only NaCl. C)the solution contains at least two of the compounds,but it cannot be determined which two are present. D)the solution definitely contains AlCl₃ and probably contains MgCl₂. E)the solution can contain only AlCl₃.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formation of a white precipitate upon the addition of NaOH, which then dissolves with more NaOH, is characteristic of aluminum ions (Al^3+). This behavior does not occur with Mg^2+ or Na+ ions under similar conditions, indicating the presence of AlCl3 (AlCl₃) and ruling out MgCl2 (MgCl₂).

A Solution May Contain NaCl,MgCl2,and/or AlCl3

A Solution May Contain NaCl,MgCl₂,and/or AlCl₃