During a qualitative analysis, a student is looking for the presence of carbonate ions co3(2-) in various solid samples. which of the following tests can verify the presence of carbonate ions?

(a) adding a dilute solution of h2s
(b) adding a dilute solution of hcl
(c) adding a dilute solution of naoh
(d) adding a dilute solution of agno3
(e) adding a dilute solution of na2so4

The correct answer is (B) Adding a dilute solution of HCl

EXPLANATION

The presence of carbonate ions can be tested by adding a dilute acid to the solution. The acid displaces Carbon (IV) oxide from the solution. Using HCl, and a carbonate of metal X.

XCO₃₍s₎ + 2HCl₍aq₎⇒ XCl₂₍aq₎+ H₂O₍l₎ + CO₂₍g₎

The gas produced is tested using calcium hydroxide to confirm whether it is carbon (IV) oxide.