Which solution do avionic technicians use to differentiate between magnesium and aluminum during a spot test?

In the context of differentiating between magnesium and aluminum, the correct solution to use is silver nitrate solution. When a technician conducts a spot test with silver nitrate, the presence of magnesium will produce a distinctive white precipitate due to the formation of magnesium nitrate, while aluminum does not react in the same manner and thus does not produce a similar reaction. This visual difference is crucial for avionic technicians, as it allows them to accurately identify the type of metal they are dealing with, which is essential for effective maintenance and repair processes.

Silver nitrate is often employed in this context because it provides reliable results and is commonly used in various chemical tests for metal identification. The understanding of the reactions that occur with these compounds allows technicians to make informed decisions about corrosion control and treatment methods for different metals used in avionic systems.