Question

Write chemical equation for the chemical reaction which occurs when the aqueous solutions of barium chloride and sodium sulphate react together. Write the symbols of the ions present in the compound precipitated in the reaction.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identify the reactants
The given reactants are:
- Barium chloride (BaCl₂) – aqueous solution
- Sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) – aqueous solution

Step 2: Understand the type of reaction
This is a double displacement reaction, where the cations and anions of the reactants swap partners to form new compounds.

Step 3: Write the chemical equation
When BaCl₂ and Na₂SO₄ react, they form barium sulphate (BaSO₄) and sodium chloride (NaCl):
BaCl₂ (aq) + Na₂SO₄ (aq) → BaSO₄ (↓) + 2NaCl (aq)
- BaSO₄ is formed as a white precipitate (insoluble in water).
- NaCl remains in solution.

Step 4: Write the ions present in the precipitate
The precipitate formed is barium sulphate (BaSO₄).
The ions present in this compound are:
- Barium ion (Ba²⁺)
- Sulphate ion (SO₄²⁻)

Final Answer:
Chemical Equation: BaCl₂ (aq) + Na₂SO₄ (aq) → BaSO₄ (↓) + 2NaCl (aq)
Ions in the precipitate: Ba²⁺ and SO₄²⁻