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JAMB Chemistry 1978 Question 35

Question 35

Qualitative Analysis

Three solutions contain carbonate, sulphate and sulphide ions respectively. One test that will identify just ONE of them completely is by addition to each of them of

  1. A.barium chloride solution
  2. B.dilute hydrochloric acid
  3. C.lead nitrate solution
  4. D.calcium chloride solution
  5. E.sodium hydroxide solution.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (lead nitrate solution)

Explanation

Lead nitrate gives a black precipitate (PbS) only with the sulphide; the carbonate and sulphate both give white precipitates, so only the sulphide is picked out.