Question

An unknown solid is entirely soluble in water. On addition of dilute HCl, a precipitate forms. After the precipitate is filtered off, the pH is adjusted to about 1 and H2S is bubbled in; a precipitate again forms. After filtering off this precipitate, the pH is adjusted to 8 and H2S is again added; no precipitate forms. No precipitate forms upon addition of (NH4)2HPO4. The remaining solution shows a yellow color in a flame test.
Based on these observations, which of the following compounds might be present, which are definitely present, and which are definitely absent.
CdS, Pb(NO3)2, HgO, ZnSO4, Cd(NO3)2, and Na2SO4

Answer 1

Answer:

Pb(NO3)2

Cd(NO3)2

Na2SO4

Explanation:

In the first part, addition of HCl leads to the formation of PbCl2 which is poorly soluble in water. This is the first precipitate that is filtered off.

When the pH is adjusted to 1 and H2S is bubbled in, CdS is formed. This is the second precipitate that is filtered off.

After this precipitate has been filtered off and the pH is adjusted to 8, addition of H2S and (NH4)2HPO4 does not lead to the formation of any other precipitate.

The yellow flame colour indicates the presence of Na^+ which must come from the presence of Na2SO4.