Question

How could you use these solutions to determine the identities of each metal powder?

Answer 1

Answer:

1.) The nitric acid solution will oxidize and thus dissolve _*(Zn and Pb)*_. This will allow to identify _**Pt**_.

2) To distinguish between _*(Zn and Pb)*_, we can use the nickel nitrate.

3) The nickel nitrate solution will oxidize and thus dissolve _**Zn**_ and will not oxidize or dissolve _**Pb**_.

Explanation:

1) Unlike Zinc and Lead, Platinum does not react with Nitric acid. So, it will be the only metal from step 1 that doesn't react. Pt is identified in this manner.

2) Nickel is higher than Lead in the activity series, but Zinc is higher than both of them in the activity series. This selectivity can be used to distinguish between Zinc and Lead metal powders.

3) Because Zinc is higher than Nickel in the activity series, it means that Zinc metal can and will displace Nickel from Nickel Nitrate solution. Therefore the Nickel Nitrate solution will oxidize and dissolve the Zinc metal.

But, there will be no reaction with the Lead metal powders sample as Pb is lower than Ni in the activity series, so, Nickel Nitrate solution will not oxidize or dissolve the Lead metal powders.