Question

A metal carbonate X on reacting with an acid gives a gas which when passed through a solution Y gives the carbonate back. On the other hand, a gas G that is obtained at anode during electrolysis of brine is passed on dry, it gives a compound Z, used for disinfecting drinking water . Identify X,Y,G and Z.

Answer 1

Metal carbonate X can be any carbonate that forms CO2 with an acid; solution Y contains calcium ion to reform the carbonate; gas G is chlorine from electrolysis of brine; compound Z is sodium hypochlorite used as a disinfectant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The substance X is a metal carbonate which, when reacted with an acid, releases a gas which can later reform the carbonate when passed through solution Y. In common reactions involving carbonates and acids, the produced gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), which indicates that solution Y is likely to be a solution containing calcium ion (Ca2+), such as lime water, which reacts with CO2 to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

The gas G produced at the anode during the electrolysis of brine (saltwater, primarily consisting of sodium chloride, NaCl) is chlorine gas (Cl2). When chlorine gas is passed over dry conditions, it can react to form compound Z, which in this context is likely to be sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), a common disinfectant used in drinking water.

Therefore, metal carbonate X is any metal carbonate that will react with an acid to form CO2. Solution Y contains calcium ions which can recombine with CO2 to form calcium carbonate. Gas G is chlorine gas, and compound Z is sodium hypochlorite.