Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: kdbmvp on February 14, 2019, 05:05:59 AM
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Hello,
I have a question regarding precipitation reactions. Consider the following rx:
Pb(NO3)2 + 2NaOH -> Pb(OH)2+ 2Na+ + 2NO3-
My question is: Why doesn't the 2Na+ cations react with the 2NO- anions, but remain spectator ions?
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First there will be no NO-.
If you dissolve Pb(NO3)2 and NaOH seperatly in one beaker glass then you get Pb2+ and 2 NO3- and in the other glass Na+ and OH-.
If you now mix both solution the lead hydroxide Pb(OH)2will precipitate . The Na+ and NO3- will be still dissolved in the solution. There for we call them spectator ions.
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Sorry about that, writing mistake. Meant NO3-. But why doesn't Na+ and NO3- react? What determines this?
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They still swimming in the solution. Sodium nitrate is good solouble. If you evaporate the water you will get NaNO3.
I tis the same you dissolve NaCl. You get Na+ and Cl-. You get the salt back, if the water is removed.
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Thank you!