The Six Solution Problem

Larry Brandon                            Thornwood High School
                                         17100 South Park Ave.
                                         South Holland, IL 60473
                                         708-339-7800 X2785

Objective:

     The Six Solution Problem is a logic problem assuming that the student knows 
some basic reactions and solubility rules.  The classic problem assumes that 
AgCl is a white precipitate, AgBr is yellow and Ag2CO3 is also yellow.  The 
combination of H+ ion and CO32- ion bubbles.  Probably the HCO3- ion is more 
reliable in producing bubbles.  

Materials Needed:

     The solutions are:  
          0.1 M HNO3 
          0.1 M NaCl 
          0.1 M NaBr 
          0.1 M Na2CO3
          0.1 M AgNO3
          water. 

Strategy::

     There are several approaches to doing this particular exercise.  I would 
prefer to have the students working in groups of two or three.  The solutions 
should be in dropping bottles wrapped together in groups of six.  Each dropping 
bottle should be numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.  To reduce comparing results, 
the bottles could be filled in a different order for each group. 

     The results may be recorded in any way, depending on the time of the school 
year.  The books always say to use a 5 x 4 grid.  This makes the report neater 
and easier to grade, but is not necessary.