could the quantitative precipitation be useful to determine the mass percent of copper in a sample that also contains magnesium ions?

I don't see why not. You may need to think about separating Cu and Mg BUT there are several anions that will ppt Cu and not Mg.

Yes, quantitative precipitation can be useful in determining the mass percent of copper in a sample that also contains magnesium ions.

To determine the mass percent of copper, a precipitation reaction can be performed to selectively separate copper ions from the sample. One common method involves using an appropriate reagent, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to precipitate copper as copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)2). The reaction is as follows:

Cu2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq) → Cu(OH)2(s)

In this reaction, copper ions react with hydroxide ions to form a solid copper(II) hydroxide precipitate, which can be filtered and weighed.

However, magnesium ions can also react with sodium hydroxide to form a similar precipitate. Therefore, it is important to differentiate between the two precipitates. This can be achieved by adjusting the pH of the solution before precipitation or by using complexing agents that selectively complex with and dissolve one of the precipitates while leaving the other unaffected.

After separating the copper precipitate, it can be dried, and its mass can be determined using a balance. By comparing the mass of the copper precipitate to the initial mass of the sample, the mass percent of copper can be calculated.

It is important to note that this method assumes complete precipitation of copper and complete separation of copper from magnesium. Precise techniques and careful experimental procedures are necessary to ensure accurate results.

Yes, quantitative precipitation can be useful in determining the mass percent of copper in a sample that contains magnesium ions. Here's how you can use quantitative precipitation to do this:

1. In order to separate copper from magnesium ions, you would need to choose a precipitation reaction that selectively precipitates copper without affecting magnesium ions. One example of such a reaction is the reaction between copper(II) ions and excess ammonia.

2. Start by preparing a solution of the sample containing the copper and magnesium ions.

3. To selectively precipitate copper, add excess ammonia solution to the sample. The copper(II) ions react with ammonia to form a deep blue complex, and the magnesium ions remain in the solution.

4. Once the precipitate forms, it can be collected through filtration.

5. After collecting the copper precipitate, it needs to be washed with distilled water to remove any impurities.

6. The washed copper precipitate should then be dried in an oven until it reaches a constant mass.

7. Finally, the mass of the dried copper precipitate can be determined using a balance. By comparing the mass of the copper precipitate to the initial mass of the sample, you can calculate the mass percent of copper in the original sample.

To further enhance the accuracy of the analysis, it is recommended to repeat the experiment multiple times and take the average mass percent of copper obtained from those trials. Additionally, it's important to note that other factors, such as the purity of the reagents used and possible interference from other ions, should also be considered and controlled for in order to obtain accurate results.