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Use the equation of sodium chloride dissolving in water to complete the activity.

NaCl(s) ⇄ Na+(aq) + Cl–(aq)

A student is testing two clear liquids. One liquid is water that has been modified with hydroxide ions to have a basic pH. The other liquid is a sports drink that contains added electrolytes, including Na+(aq). The student has available to them multiple samples of a NaCl solution and the ability to test the concentration of ions in the solution. When NaCl molecules are formed, they crystalize (form crystals). How can the student use the equilibrium reaction of sodium chloride to determine which liquid is which? In three to five sentences, explain your answer.

(4 points)

The student can use the equilibrium reaction of sodium chloride dissolving in water to determine which liquid is which by observing the presence of Na+ and Cl- ions in the solution. If the Na+ and Cl- ions are present in higher concentrations in one of the liquids, it indicates that the NaCl molecules have dissociated more in that solution, suggesting that it is the sports drink containing added electrolytes. On the other hand, if the concentrations of Na+ and Cl- ions are lower in the other liquid, it indicates that the NaCl molecules have not dissociated as much, suggesting that it is the water modified with hydroxide ions to have a basic pH. By analyzing the concentration of ions in the solution, the student can determine which liquid is which based on the equilibrium reaction of sodium chloride.