Answer to Question #175654 in General Chemistry for Kevin

Question

Write a balanced chemical equation with state symbols to illustrate how NaNO3 can be prepared in the laboratory. Explain why NaNO3 cannot be prepared utilizing the same method used for the preparation of CaCO3.

Answer 1

Neutralization of the nitric acid with sodium hydroxide makes it possible gain sodium nitrate in the laboratory in its pure form.

HNO3 + NaOH → NaNO3 + H2O

NaNO3 cannot be prepared using the similar method utilized for CaCO3 preparation, since calcium carbonate is never soluble in water, as sodium nitrate is soluble in water.