A large amount of aluminium sulfate was accidentally added to the drinking water supply at a water treatment works - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 7
A large amount of aluminium sulfate was accidentally added to the drinking water supply at a water treatment works.
07.1 Describe a test to show that the drinking w... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A large amount of aluminium sulfate was accidentally added to the drinking water supply at a water treatment works - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe a test to show that the drinking water contained aluminium ions.
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Answer
To test for aluminium ions in the drinking water, add a few drops of sodium hydroxide solution to a sample of the water.
If aluminium ions are present, a white precipitate will form. This precipitate is soluble in excess sodium hydroxide.
Step 2
Result
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Answer
The result would be the formation of a white precipitate that dissolves upon adding more sodium hydroxide.
Step 3
Describe a test to show that the drinking water contained sulfate ions.
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Answer
To test for sulfate ions, add barium chloride solution to the water sample, followed by a dilute hydrochloric acid.
If sulfate ions are present, a white precipitate will form.
Step 4
Result
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Answer
The result would be the formation of a white precipitate, indicating the presence of sulfate ions.
Step 5
Plan an investigation to find the total mass of dissolved solids in a 100 cm³ sample of the drinking water.
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Answer
To investigate the total mass of dissolved solids, follow these steps:
Weigh an empty evaporating basin or dish to obtain its mass.
Measure 100 cm³ of the drinking water and record its volume.
Pour the water into the evaporating basin.
Heat the basin gently to evaporate the water completely.
Once the water has evaporated, allow the basin to cool.
Weigh the basin again to obtain the mass after evaporation.
Subtract the mass of the empty basin from the mass after evaporation to find the total mass of dissolved solids.
Record your findings, ensuring to consider any potential sources of error.