A colorless solution contains one cation. When dilute hydrochloric acid is added, a white precipitate forms that does not dissolve in dilute nitric acid. Which cation is most likely present?
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Correct answer
B. Ag+
Principle or equation
Silver ions react with chloride ions to form a white precipitate of silver chloride (AgCl), which is insoluble in dilute nitric acid. Barium ions form a white precipitate with sulfate, not chloride. Copper(II) and iron(III) are colored in solution.
Why this answer is correct
Ag+ + Cl− → AgCl(s). AgCl is a white precipitate insoluble in dilute nitric acid. Ba2+ would not precipitate with Cl− (BaCl2 is soluble). Cu2+ gives a blue solution, and Fe3+ gives a yellow/brown solution, so they cannot be in a colorless solution.
Example
Add HCl to a solution containing Ag+: white precipitate of AgCl forms, insoluble in HNO3.
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