NaCl(s) ⇄ Na+(aq) + Cl–(aq)
A student is testing two clear liquids. One liquid is water that has been modified to have a basic pH. The other liquid is a sports drink that contains added electrolytes, including Na+(aq). How can the student use the equilibrium reaction of sodium chloride to determine which liquid is which? In three to five sentences, explain your answer.
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The student can add a small amount of NaCl(s) to each liquid and observe any changes in the solution. If the solution with a basic pH reacts with the NaCl to produce Na+(aq) and Cl–(aq), it indicates that the liquid is water modified to have a basic pH. On the other hand, if the solution with the added electrolytes already contains Na+(aq) and Cl–(aq), there won't be any visible reaction, and it indicates that the liquid is the sports drink.
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