When BaCl2 solution is mixed with H2SO4, what is the precipitate that forms and what is the other product?

When BaCl2 solution is mixed with H2SO4, what is the precipitate that forms and what is the other product?

• A. BaSO4(s) forms; the other product is 2 HCl(aq).
• B. BaSO3(s) forms; the other product is H2O.
• C. BaSO4(aq) forms; the other product is 2 HCl(aq).
• D. BaSO4(s) forms; the other product is H2SO4(aq).

Answer: (A)

When two aqueous solutions react, a solid forms if one of the products is highly insoluble. Barium sulfate is extremely insoluble, so Ba2+ from BaCl2 and SO4^2- from H2SO4 combine to make BaSO4 that precipitates out as a solid. The remaining ions—Cl- and H+—pair to form the soluble product hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq). So, the precipitate is BaSO4(s) and the other product is 2 HCl(aq). The other options propose a different solid or other products (like BaSO3, water, or H2SO4), which don’t occur in this reaction.

When two aqueous solutions react, a solid forms if one of the products is highly insoluble. Barium sulfate is extremely insoluble, so Ba2+ from BaCl2 and SO4^2- from H2SO4 combine to make BaSO4 that precipitates out as a solid. The remaining ions—Cl- and H+—pair to form the soluble product hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq). So, the precipitate is BaSO4(s) and the other product is 2 HCl(aq). The other options propose a different solid or other products (like BaSO3, water, or H2SO4), which don’t occur in this reaction.