A solution contains 0.25 M Ni(NO3)2 and 0.25 M Cu(NO3)2. Can the metal ions be separated by slowly adding Na2CO3? Assume that for successful separation 99% of the metal ion must be precipitated before the other metal ion begins to precipitate, and assume no volume change on addition of Na2CO3.

Explanation:

Ksp of NiCO3 = 1.4 x 10^-7

Ksp of CuCO3 = 2.5 x 10^-10

Ionic equations:

NiCO3 --> Ni2+ + CO3^2-

CuCO3 --> Cu2+ + CO3^2-

[Cu2+][CO3^2-]/[Ni2+][CO3^2-]

= (2.5* 10^-10)/(1.4* 10^-7)

= 0.00179.

[Cu2+]/[Ni2+]

= 0.00179

= 0.00179*[Ni2+]

If all of Cu2+ is precipitated before Na2CO3 is added.

= 0.00179 * (0.25)

The amount of Cu2+ not precipitated = 0.000448 M

The percent of Cu2+ precipitated before the NiCO3 precipitates = concentration of Cu2+ unprecipitated/initial concentration of Cu2+ * 100

= 0.000448/0.25 * 100

= 0.18%

Therefore, percentage precipitated = 100 - 0.18

= 99.8%

The two metal ions can be separated by slowly adding Na2CO3. Thus that is the unpptd Cu2+.

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