Qualitative Analysis of Group I Cations: Silver, Lead and Mercurous Ions

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Purpose The main objective of this lab is to use qualitative analysis to understand and recognize the chemical properties of certain Group 1 cations, which are Ag+, Pb2+, and Hg2+, and to use their inherent properties to identify whether they are present in an unknown sample. These three particular cations, known as the Silver Group, can be separated and isolated from each other by forming insoluble chloride salts. Introduction Chemistry is an analytical science, which is based heavily on experimentation and observation. The data that can be obtained through experimentation can be separated into two distinct types of data: qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative data deals primarily with numerical characteristics, such as the weight or amount of a particular substance. Qualitative data, however, refers to observable characteristics such as taste, touch, smell, etc. It should be noted, however, that qualitative data can be converted into quantitative data, provided that there is a numerical rubric or basis for gradation. In chemistry, qualitative data allows chemists to generally identify the presence of certain types of ions, elements, compounds, etc. that are present in a sample, by generally observing the physical and chemical properties of the sample when they react with compounds with known reagents. After qualitative analysis has positively confirmed the presence of a particular element, ion, or compound, the amount of the substance can then be quantitatively determined through careful measurement (Barezzaghi, 2007). The qualitative detection of particular ions that are dissociated in a solution is dependent on the observed physical and chemical properties that result when the unknown ions react with a specific analyzing reagent with a known outcome. This qualitative method involves testing small samples of the unknown with different unique
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