Question

Which chemical test can be used to distinguish between sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium iodide (a poison)?

A) Flame Test
B) Silver Nitrate Test
C) pH Test
D) Benedict's Test

Answer 1

The Silver Nitrate Test can be used to distinguish between sodium chloride and sodium iodide. When silver nitrate is added to a salt solution, a precipitate forms in the presence of sodium chloride.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical test that can be used to distinguish between sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium iodide (a poison) is the Silver Nitrate Test. When a few drops of silver nitrate solution are added to a salt solution, a pale yellow precipitate forms in the presence of sodium chloride. This precipitate is silver chloride, which is insoluble in water. In contrast, no precipitate forms in the presence of sodium iodide.

The balanced equation for the reaction between sodium chloride and silver nitrate is:

NaCl(aq) + AgNO3(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)