Question

Describe a test which would distinguish between aqueous solutions of potassium
sulfate and sulfuric acid.
test .................................................................................................................................
result ......................................................................................................................

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

The standard test to determine whether a solution contains a carbonate in solution is to add BaCl2 . This forms a precipitate of BaCO3

The standard test to determine whether a solution contains a sulphate in solution is to add BaCl2 . This forms a precipitate of BaSO4.

This test will indicate that either a CO3 2- or a SO4 2- ion is present

OK - so how do you tell the difference?

You do a confirmatory test

You acidify the original test solution with HCl . This will react with the K2CO3 and produce KCl

There is no reaction between the K2SO4 and the HCl

Now you repeat the addition of BaCl2 to the acidified original test solution.

If you still get a precipitate , SO4 2- is confirmed

If no precipitate is produced , CO3 2- is confirmed .

Hope this will be Helpful.

Thank you.