how would you distinguish two white solids AgCl and Hg2Cl2?

How would you distinguish between two solutions Cu(NO3)2 and Ni(NO3)2?

I would think Molecular weight!

AgCl and Hg2Cl2 --Add NH3, AgCl dissolves in excess NH3 and Hg2Cl2 form a black or grey ppt (due to finely divided Hg metal).

Cu(NO3)2 and Ni(NO3)2--Probably color would do it. The Cu salt is blue, the Ni salt is green.

To distinguish between two white solids, AgCl and Hg2Cl2, you can follow these steps:

1. Observation: Begin by looking at the physical characteristics of both solids. Note their appearance, texture, and any visible differences. This initial observation can often provide valuable clues.

2. Solubility: Perform a solubility test. Start by adding a small amount of water to each solid separately and observe their reaction. AgCl is insoluble in water, meaning it will not dissolve, while Hg2Cl2 is soluble in water and will form a transparent or slightly yellow solution.

3. Reaction with Ammonia: Add a few drops of ammonia solution to each solid. AgCl will remain unchanged in the presence of ammonia, while Hg2Cl2 will form a black precipitate called "Hg(NH2)Cl" due to the reaction between Hg2Cl2 and ammonia.

Based on these tests, you can distinguish between AgCl (which does not dissolve in water and does not react with ammonia) and Hg2Cl2 (which dissolves in water and forms a black precipitate with ammonia).

To distinguish between two solutions, Cu(NO3)2 and Ni(NO3)2, you can follow these steps:

1. Color Test: Observe the color of both solutions. Cu(NO3)2 solution has a blue color, while Ni(NO3)2 solution has a green color. This difference in color can help differentiate between the two solutions.

2. Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide: Add a few drops of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution separately to each solution. Cu(NO3)2 solution will produce a blue precipitate of copper(II) hydroxide, while Ni(NO3)2 solution will produce a green precipitate of nickel(II) hydroxide.

Based on these tests, you can distinguish between Cu(NO3)2 (which forms a blue precipitate with sodium hydroxide) and Ni(NO3)2 (which forms a green precipitate with sodium hydroxide).