The Six Solution Problem

Larry Brandon Thornwood High School
17100 South Park Ave.
South Holland, IL 60473
708-339-7800 X2785

Objective:

The Six Solution Problem is a logic problem assuming that the student knows
some basic reactions and solubility rules. The classic problem assumes that
AgCl is a white precipitate, AgBr is yellow and Ag2CO3 is also yellow. The
combination of H+ ion and CO32- ion bubbles. Probably the HCO3- ion is more
reliable in producing bubbles.

Materials Needed:

The solutions are:
0.1 M HNO3
0.1 M NaCl
0.1 M NaBr
0.1 M Na2CO3 0.1 M AgNO3 water. Strategy::

There are several approaches to doing this particular exercise. I would
prefer to have the students working in groups of two or three. The solutions
should be in dropping bottles wrapped together in groups of six. Each dropping
bottle should be numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. To reduce comparing results,
the bottles could be filled in a different order for each group.

The results may be recorded in any way, depending on the time of the school
year. The books always say to use a 5 x 4 grid. This makes the report neater
and easier to grade, but is not necessary.

Return to Chemistry Index