Aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide can be used to test for the presence of : I. Ca2+ 2 + , II. Zn2+ 2 + , III. Cu2+

Answer Details

Aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a versatile reagent in chemistry, often used to test for the presence of metal ions. When sodium hydroxide is added to solutions containing certain metal ions, it forms precipitates that are characteristic of those ions. Here's how it interacts with each of the mentioned ions:

Calcium ions (Ca²⁺): When NaOH is added to a solution containing calcium ions, a white precipitate of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) can form. However, the precipitate is only slightly soluble in water, and this reaction is not the most definitive test for calcium ions.

Zinc ions (Zn²⁺): When sodium hydroxide is added to a solution containing zinc ions, a white gelatinous precipitate of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)₂) forms. This precipitate is soluble in excess NaOH, leading to a clear, colorless solution. This reaction is used to test for zinc ions.

Copper ions (Cu²⁺): When NaOH is added to a solution containing copper ions, a pale blue precipitate of copper(II) hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) forms. This precipitate is insoluble even in excess NaOH, and the formation of this blue precipitate is a common test for copper ions.

Therefore, an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide can be used to test for the presence of all three ions: calcium (Ca²⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), and copper (Cu²⁺). The reaction and precipitate formation with each ion serve as indicators of their presence. Thus, the correct answer is:

I, II and III.