4a: Group 2 analysis

Question 1

Testing for sulfate ions

Answer 1

add HCl which removes the presence of carbonate ions. And then add BaCl2 If a white precipitate forms then sulphate ions are present

Question 2

Testing for carbonate ions

Answer 2

 Add hydrochloric acid and if effervescence occurs/carbon dioxide evolves then carbonate ions are present

Question 3

How can you confirm the presence of magnesium ions

Answer 3

You could add a solution containing hydroxide ions. For a positive presence of magnesium ions the solution or form a white precipitate from a colorless solution.

Question 4

Barium compounds are toxic but barium sulfate is sometimes given to a patient before an x-ray is taken in a hospital. Explain why the patient is not poisoned by the barium sulfate

Answer 4

because barium sulfate is insoluble so it wouldn’t harm the patient and it wouldn’t get into the blood.