Reference no: EM133753952

Problem

A forensic chemist is given a white powder by the investigator of a crime scene. The investigator wants to know if the powder is a pure substance or a mixture. The chemist dissolves some of the powder in deionized water making a clear solution. She finds that a precipitate forms when she adds an excess aqueous solution of sodium chloride. She filters the precipitate and washes it several times with deionized water. To this filtrate she then adds an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. A precipitate forms.

Draw two pictures representing a molecular / atomic / ionic view of what occurred when a precipitate formed with the addition of sodium chloride solution. Choose the type of particle that is the most appropriate for this reaction. Place charges on any ions indicating charge values (+1, -2, etc.) when they are known. If charges are unknown indicate whether the ion is positive or negative. Clearly indicate which picture represents before the reaction occurs.