You are given two colorless solutions, one containing \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) and the other sucrose \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{12} \mathrm{H}_{22} \mathrm{O}_{11}\right) .\) Suggest a chemical and a physical test that would distinguish between these two solutions.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Chemical test: Perform electrolysis. Only the NaCl solution will conduct electricity. Physical test: Add both solutions to ethanol. The NaCl solution will not dissolve while Sucrose will.

Step by step solution

01

Specify chemical properties of NaCl and Sucrose

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound that dissolves in water to produce ions, whereas Sucrose, a type of sugar, forms covalent bonds and does not dissociate into ions when dissolved. Based on these properties, a chemical test for distinguishing these two substances can be proposed. For example, an electrolysis test can be used, since ionic compounds conduct electricity due to their dissociation into ions, and covalent substances do not.
02

Specify physical properties of NaCl and Sucrose

One physical property to exploit is the fact that these two substances have different solubilities in the solvent. Sodium chloride has a high solubility in water, while sucrose has a moderate solubility. By adding both solutions to a solvent like ethanol, and observing which one dissolves and which one doesn't, we can differentiate these two solutions.
03

Conclusion

In conclusion, in a chemical test, Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and Sucrose (\(C_{12}H_{22}O_{11}\)) can be differentiated by carrying out electrolysis since NaCl, being ionic, will conduct electricity; Sucrose, being covalently bonded, will not. In a physical test, their solubility can be compared in a solvent like ethanol where Sucrose is quite soluble while Sodium chloride is virtually insoluble.

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