A Solution contains a mixture of Cl- and Br- ions. Can both be positively identified? Briefly explain. Write appropriate equations to support your answer.

Randomly came upon this ask thread.... LOL "Dr" Bob is one SOB. What a jerk.

What I have with is really figuring out the equation. I know that in the presence of AgNO3, the Cl- would form AgCl which forms a precipitate.

The Br- would form (BrNO3)+2 or something like that.

I feel like I'm on the right track here but I'm doing something wrong.

The equation I'm thinking of is:
Cl-(aq) + Br-(aq) + AgNO3(aq) <-----> AgCl (ppt) + BrNO3(aq)

AgNO3 will ppt BOTH AgCl and AgBr; AgBr is the more insoluble. Without going into great detail here is what is done in the analytical lab to detect (and confirm both).

To detect Br^-, take a small amount of the solution, add NaOCl and several drops hexane, shake thoroughly. A yellow/pale orange color indicates bromide ion.

To another portion of the sample, acidify with dil HNO3, add AgNO3 until pptn is complete. This will ppt both AgBr and AgCl. If a ppt occurs and no bromide was detected (and there is no iodine), a white ppt shows the presence of Chloride ion. If bromide is present, add a mixture of NH3/KNO3 (Miller's Reagent). This reagent dissolves AgCl but not AgBr. Separate the solid and discard (throws the AgBr away). Acidify the liquid with dil HNO3; the formation of a white ppt proves the presence of chloride.
I will leave the equations to you but the most important are these.
Ag^+ + Br^- ==> AgBr(s)
Ag^ + Cl^- ==> AgCl(s)
Br^- + OCl^- ==> Br2 (which in hexane looks yellow to pale orange).
Ag^+ + 2NH3==> Ag(NH3)^+(aq)

Yes, both Cl- and Br- ions can be positively identified. One way to identify these ions is by performing a precipitation reaction using silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution.

To identify chloride ions (Cl-), you can add a few drops of dilute silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution to the unknown solution. A white precipitate of silver chloride (AgCl) will form if chloride ions are present:

Cl- + Ag+ -> AgCl (white precipitate)

To identify bromide ions (Br-), you can add a few drops of dilute silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution to the unknown solution. A pale yellow precipitate of silver bromide (AgBr) will form if bromide ions are present:

Br- + Ag+ -> AgBr (pale yellow precipitate)

By observing the color of the precipitate formed, it is possible to positively identify whether Cl- or Br- ions are present in the solution. However, it is important to note that other confirmatory tests may be needed to rule out other possible ions that can form precipitates with silver nitrate.

Yes they can. Anyone who has done a qualitative analytical scheme will know how to do this. But I'm not about to write a 30 minute script. I'll be glad to help if you wish to identify exactly what you need help with.