Chapter U4.6, Problem 7E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Missing product for the reaction of aqueous silver nitrate withaqueous sodium hydroxide to produce aqueous sodium nitrate must be found. The reaction must be balanced and the method by which thisreaction helps to remove toxic substances from water must also be explained.

Concept introduction:

Reaction between aqueous silver nitrate and aqueous sodium hydroxide is a precipitation reaction.

Answer to Problem 7E

The missing product is silver hydroxide (AgOH).

The balanced equation is given below.

  $AgN{O}_3\left(aq\right)+NaOH\left(aq\right)\to NaN{O}_3\left(aq\right)+AgOH\left(s\right)$

This reaction can remove toxic substances via precipitation.

Explanation of Solution

From the reaction it can be seen that there is one Ag atom, one N atom, one Na atom, one H atom and 4 O atoms respectively in both the sides. Thus, the reaction is balanced. This reaction is a precipitation reaction in which Ag is precipitated as siver hydroxide( AgOH). AgOH can participate in complexation reaction (reslting formation of insoluble salts) with many toxic materials like cyanide ions in aqueous solution. In this way, this precipitate can help in removal of toxic substnaces from water.