When identifying metal halides with silver ions, the positive ion $\ce{Ag+}$ will form $\ce{AgX}$ with halide in a solution. However, $\ce{H+}$ is added (typically in the form of an acid like $\ce{HNO3}$) to solution to get rid of $\ce{OH-}$ and $\ce{CO3^{2-}}$ ions first. Will the $\ce{H+}$ not also react with the halide $\ce{X-}$?
1 Answer
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Hydrogen halides are strong acids, meaning that their conjugate bases $\ce{X-}$ are extremely weak. Thus, adding $\ce{H+}$ will neutralize stronger bases such as $\ce{OH-}$ first before $\ce{X-}$.
