Ten > Carbon Dioxide Gas
Asked by Basanta · 2 years ago

Clarify the cause of selecting dil. HCl instead of dil. H$_2$SO$_4$ during laboratory preparation of carbon dioxide. What tests do you need to perform before entering into well to prevent from the suffocation?

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Arpit Sundas Arpit Sundas · 1 year ago
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Solution

In the lab preparation of carbon dioxide (\(\rm CO_{2}\)), dilute hydrochloric acid (\(\rm HCl \)) is chosen over dilute sulphuric acid             (\(\rm H_{2}SO_{4} \)) because \(\rm H_{2}SO_{4} \) can form an insoluble layer of calcium sulphate   (\(\rm CaSO_{4} \)) when it reacts with calcium carbonate (\(\rm CaCO_{3} \)). This layer stops the reaction, limiting \(\rm CO_{2}\) production. Dilute \(\rm HCl \) , however, reacts smoothly with \(\rm CaCO_{3} \) to produce a steady release of \(\rm CO_{2}\) gas without forming any obstructive by-products.

The tests needed to be performed before entering into well to prevent from the suffocation are:

  • Oxygen Test: Lower a burning candle or flame into the well to check for oxygen. If the flame extinguishes quickly, it indicates a lack of oxygen, which could lead to suffocation.
  • \(\rm CO_{2}\) Test: Lower a container with limewater into the well. If the limewater turns milky, it shows high \(\rm CO_{2}\) levels, which could be dangerous for breathing.

These tests are essential for safety to avoid suffocation risks due to low oxygen or high \(\rm CO_{2}\) levels in confined spaces like wells.

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