Name: _________________________ NGSS

Chemistry Lab/Activity (Topic: Solutions)

Title: Solubility Guidelines Investigation

Aim: To determine the identity of three unknown aqueous solutions

Purpose: Using the solubility guidelines and student observations, determine the
identity of three unknown solutions.

Materials:
3 Unknown Solutions (B, C, D) Solution A: Sr(NO3)2 Goggles
3x4 Well Plate Dropper Pipette Solubility Guidelines

Background: When one substance dissolves in another substance, a solution is formed. A solution is a
homogeneous mixture in which the components are uniformly mixed. A solution consists of the solute and the
solvent. When water is the solvent, the solution is called an aqueous solution.
A chemical reaction that involves the formation of an insoluble product is called a precipitation reaction. The
reactants are soluble, but the product formed would be insoluble and separates out as a solid, known as a
precipitate.

Pre-Lab:

Describe the difference between a soluble and an insoluble solid

Soluble solids are those solids that when mixed with the right liquid or solvent, form a solution. Hence, the soluble
solids dissolve in the liquid

Explain, in terms of solubility, why some double replacement reactions have a visible reaction while others do
not.

Generally in a double displacement , two salts mutually exchange their ions. In a solid state due to a strong ionic
force of attraction, the exchange of ions does not occur. Hence, the double displacement reaction cannot take place
Investigation:
➤Claim: Make a prediction- Complete and balance the following double replacement reactions. Using Table
F, determine if the products are soluble or insoluble

2NaC2H3O2(aq) AgCO3
1. _____Na2CO3 (aq) + _____AgC2H3O2 (aq) → ____________ + ____________

2NaNO3 (aq)
2. _____Sr(NO3)2 (aq) + _____Na2CO3 (aq) → ____________ SrCO3
+ ____________

Sr(NO3) (aq)
3. _____Sr(NO3)2(aq) + _____KNO3 (aq) → ____________ KNO3 (aq)
+ ____________

NaNO3 (aq)
4. _____Na2CO3 (aq) + _____KNO3 (aq) → ____________+ K2CO32
____________

KCHO3 (aq)
5. _____KNO3 (aq) + _____ AgC2H3O2 (aq) → ____________ AgC2H3O2
+ ____________

Evidence: following the procedure below, collect your evidence

1. Obtain 3 unknown solutions (B, C, D) from your teacher.

2. Obtain 1 known solution (A) of Sr(NO3)2 from your teacher.
3. Obtain 1 3 x 4 well plate

➤Evidence: Draw a model to represent your visual observations of the 4 solutions prior to mixing
A. B.

C. D.

Cannot distinguish one from the other ones

 4. Mix the solutions by adding a few drops of each according to the well plate diagram below. Record any
visual observations in the proper location on the diagram.

➤Evidence: Record any visual observations in the proper location on the diagram

Lightly cloudy Reaction and

No reaction cloudy

No reaction Lightly cloudy

White cloudy

5. Dispose of the mixtures properly and rinse the well plate.

Conclusion/Outcome

➤Describe one method to separate the products of a double replacement reaction that resulted in the
formation of a precipitate. Draw a model explaining this separation technique.

Filtration can be used to separate the precipitate from the

_________________________________________

solution
_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________
➤Reasoning:
The unknown solutions can be one of the following aqueous solutions:

Na2CO3 KNO3 AgC2H3O2

Using your Claim and Evidence determine the identity of solution B, C, D given that solution A is Sr(NO3)2

Solution Identity Reasoning

Causes no reaction when with other

KNO3
B

In reactions, CO3 was in both precip. C was in both wells W precips

C Na2CO3

Causes reactions when with others

D AgC2H3O2

➤Other than formation of a precipitate, what other evidence can indicate that a chemical reaction has
occurred?

Bubbles forming
The color can change

➤In the space to the right, draw a model to represent the dissolving
process at the molecular level for KNO3. Be sure to include the
interactions between the solute and the water molecules in your
diagram.