MCQEasyJEE 2023Salt Analysis (Cations & Anions)

JEE Chemistry 2023 Question with Solution

In the wet tests for detection of various cations by precipitation, Ba2+Ba^{2+} cations are detected by obtaining precipitate of :

  • A

    Ba(OAc)2\text{Ba(OAc)}_2

  • B

    BaCO3\text{BaCO}_3

  • C

    BaSO4\text{BaSO}_4

  • D

    Ba(ox)\text{Ba(ox)} : Barium oxalate

Answer

Correct answer:B

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: The cation to be detected is Ba2+Ba^{2+} in wet qualitative analysis by precipitation.

Find: Which precipitate is obtained for detection of Ba2+Ba^{2+}.

In wet testing, (NH4)2CO3(NH_4)_2CO_3 is used as a group reagent for detecting fifth group cations such as Ba2+Ba^{2+}, Ca2+Ca^{2+}, and Sr2+Sr^{2+}.

The presence of Ba2+Ba^{2+} is confirmed by formation of barium carbonate precipitate.

The reaction is

Ba2++(NH4)2CO3BaCO3+NH4+Ba^{2+} + (NH_4)_2CO_3 \rightarrow BaCO_3 \downarrow + NH_4^+

Barium carbonate forms a white precipitate when Ba2+Ba^{2+} reacts with (NH4)2CO3(NH_4)_2CO_3 in water.

Therefore, the precipitate obtained is BaCO3\text{BaCO}_3, so the correct option is B.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the confirmatory precipitate with BaSO4\text{BaSO}_4. That salt is also insoluble, but the given wet test here specifically uses (NH4)2CO3(NH_4)_2CO_3 as the group reagent. Use the reagent mentioned in the test to identify the correct precipitate.

  • Choosing Ba(OAc)2\text{Ba(OAc)}_2 because it contains barium. This is incorrect because the question asks for the precipitate formed during detection, not any soluble barium salt. Focus on the product formed in the qualitative analysis reaction.

  • Ignoring group analysis chemistry and selecting barium oxalate by memorizing insoluble salts. In wet qualitative analysis, the prescribed group reagent determines the precipitate. Here, carbonate precipitation is the relevant test.

Practice more Salt Analysis (Cations & Anions) questions

Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.

Related questions