How do you distinguish different electrolytes? I'm not talking about like "strong" and "weak", I'm wondering if there's a way to tell Magnesium and Calcium apart. Like, is there something we can do to a substance that would show us what elements are present in it? Thanks.

Question

How do you distinguish different electrolytes? I'm not talking about like "strong" and "weak", I'm wondering if there's a way to tell  Magnesium and Calcium apart. Like, is there something we can do to a substance that would show us what elements are present in it? Thanks.

anonymous · Answer

*Magnesium and Calcium were just examples by the way~

anonymous · Answer

take a sample and make it neutralize.. different salt = different component present in it..

anonymous · Answer

@harishk So I would need something to measure it's acidity?

anonymous · Answer

yep.. sort of

anonymous · Answer

@harishk um, I don't know if this makes sense, but how do I know what to use to neutralize it? Like, if I don't know what element I'm looking for

rushwr · Answer

I think u will have to use the electrochemical cell.  Since magnesium is below calcium Mg ^2+ will reduce to Mg solid while Ca solid will form Cu^2+ aq. Thus dissolving the Cu electrode. I hope you got it.

greatlife44 · Answer

Electrolytes are compounds that have the ability to dissolve in water, and conduct electricity. because they dissolve into ions that are positive and negative. ionic compounds fit into this framework very well.

aaronq · Answer

You wanna tell what type of ions there are in a solution - like in real life, not on paper?

anonymous · Answer

you must have a elemental analyser or .. you can do the porcelyn spot test with specific reagent to identify with visual awareness...