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In the test for a halide ion in aqueous solution, dilute nitric acid is added before the addition of silver nitrate solution - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 15 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 15
In the test for a halide ion in aqueous solution, dilute nitric acid is added before the addition of silver nitrate solution. Why is nitric acid added? A It increa... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In the test for a halide ion in aqueous solution, dilute nitric acid is added before the addition of silver nitrate solution - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 15 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
It prevents the precipitation of silver compounds other than halides.
Answer
Nitric acid is added in the test for halide ions primarily to ensure the solution remains acidic. This acidity is crucial because it prevents the precipitation of unwanted silver compounds, which can form in neutral or basic conditions. By keeping the environment acidic, we facilitate the selective precipitation of desired halide silver salts only.