Here's the balanced chemical equation:
Na₂CO₃(aq) + Co(NO₃)₂(aq) → CoCO₃(s) + 2NaNO₃(aq)
Explanation:
* Reactants:
* Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is a soluble ionic compound.
* Cobalt(II) nitrate (Co(NO₃)₂) is also a soluble ionic compound.
* Products:
* Cobalt(II) carbonate (CoCO₃) is an insoluble ionic compound, which means it will precipitate out of solution as a solid.
* Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) remains dissolved in solution as a soluble ionic compound.
Observations:
* When you mix solutions of sodium carbonate and cobalt(II) nitrate, you will observe the formation of a pink precipitate (CoCO₃).
* The solution will also change color, likely turning a pale pink or slightly purple due to the presence of cobalt ions.
Important Note: This reaction is a classic example of a double displacement reaction, also known as a metathesis reaction. It is a common type of reaction in chemistry and is used to synthesize various inorganic compounds.