Testing for Sulfate Ions | GCSE Chemistry Practice
Sulfate ions can be identified by the formation of a white precipitate with barium chloride.
Why is hydrochloric acid added before barium chloride in the sulfate test?
What is Testing for Sulfate Ions | Practice?
"A chemical test used to identify sulfate ions using acidified barium chloride solution."
What color flame does a Sodium (Na+) ion produce?
A student sees a lilac flame during a test. Which ion is present?
Why can a flame test be unreliable if the sample is a mixture of ions?
Sulfate Test Steps
Acidify the sample with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Add barium chloride solution ($BaCl_2$).
A positive result is a white precipitate of barium sulfate ($BaSO_4$).
HCl removes carbonate ions that would also produce a white precipitate.
Chemistry Rule: Always acidify your test samples to ensure any result is actually due to the ion you are testing for.
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