Question

Sodium ion (Na+) and calcium ion (Ca2+) produce nearly the same color in a flame test (yellow and yellow-orange, respectively). Describe a way to differentiate between the two using a solution of Na2CO3 and write the correct balanced equation(s).

Answer 1

well kfk2973 i am not really sure what you mean, but let me try to guess... It is obvious that Ca2+ has two positive charges so if Ca reacts for example with CO2 he will create CaCO3, but Na+ has only one positive charge so there has to be two Na in one carbonate molecule Na2CO3... so there's one difference. And if you try to add some acid of which you know concentration you can indicate equivalence point with any common pH indicator and calculate exact amount of any atoms you need... If you could explain little more what you exactly need then i'm sure that somebody will answer your question...