Question

Although soluble barium compounds are toxic, suspensions of insoluble barium sulfate are routinely swallowed for upper gastrointestinal x-ray studies. why is barium carbonate not used? 1. barium carbonate is soluble in plain water. 2. stomachs contain hcl and all carbonates dissolve in acid. 3. all carbonates are toxic, whether soluble or not. 4. barium carbonate is too expensive.

Answer 1

Insoluble barium sulfate is used in upper gastrointestinal x-ray studies because it does not dissolve in the stomach or intestinal fluids, allowing for a clear outline of the digestive organs. Barium carbonate is not used because it is soluble in plain water and would dissolve in the stomach's acidic environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Insoluble barium sulfate is routinely used in upper gastrointestinal x-ray studies because it is so insoluble that it does not dissolve in the stomach or intestinal fluids and therefore does not get absorbed into the tissues. This allows for a clear outline of the digestive organs to appear on x-rays. Barium carbonate is not used because it is soluble in plain water and would dissolve in the stomach's acidic environment, making it ineffective for imaging purposes.

Answer 2

From a chemistry book that I have read, it stated that Barium Sulfate is so insoluble in water. Due to this, it is not toxic to humans since it is not dissolved and absorbed by our body. In the other hand, Barium Carbonate is slightly soluble in water making it toxic to us.

Answer:

Barium carbonate is soluble in plain water