Lithium arsenate (Li3AsO4) and iron nitrate (Fe(NO3)3) are dissolved in water. What precipitate would you expect to form? what is the name and formula?
The chemical formula of the precipitate is Fe(OH)₃
Explanation:
Fe(NO₃)₃ and K₂CO₃ are strong electrolytes and completely dissociate in water. Carbonate ions is a weak base and combine with water to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻), CO₃²⁻ + H₂O <----------------> HCO₃⁻ + OH⁻
Ferric, Fe (III), combines with these hydroxide ions to form insoluble precipitates. Fe(OH)₃ is only partially soluble i.e., it does not completely dissociate in water. When the solutions of Fe(NO₃)₃ and K₂CO₃ are mixed, Fe(OH)₃ precipitates out due to the strong electrostatic attraction between Fe (III) and hydroxide ions.