Answer: A student has prepared a cobalt complex that has

Chapter 23, Problem 51P

(choose chapter or problem)

A student has prepared a cobalt complex that has one of the following three structures: \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{6}\right] \mathrm{Cl}_{3}\), \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{5} \mathrm{Cl}\right] \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\), or \(\left[\mathrm{Co}\left(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\right)_{4} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\right] \mathrm{Cl}\). Explain how the student would distinguish between these possibilities by an electrical conductance experiment. At the student’s disposal are three strong electrolytes—NaCl, \(\mathrm{MgCl}_{2}\), and \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\)—which may be used for comparison purposes.