What Gases Were Detected in the Air Sample Test?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the gases present in an air sample based on specific chemical tests involving anhydrous CuSO4, acidified KMnO4, and limewater. The focus is on the interpretation of the results from these tests to determine the correct set of gases among the provided options.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether suggesting options a or d is sufficient to demonstrate their own effort, based on the reaction of CO2 with limewater.
  • Another participant clarifies that the question is about what gases are absorbed or reacted, not what is produced, while acknowledging that CO2 does indeed produce a precipitate with limewater.
  • A participant notes that the presence of 'anhydrous' CuSO4 indicates the presence of water, but points out that water is included in all answer choices, which complicates the deduction.
  • There is a mention of the role of KMnO4 as a strong oxidizer, prompting further consideration of its effects in the context of the tests.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the question and the implications of the test results. There is no consensus on which set of gases is correct, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of the reactions involved, and there are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific roles of the gases in the tests.

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Question :
Air sample sujected to following tests. The anhydrous CuSO4 turned blue, the acidified KMnO4 was decolourised and white ppt was seen in limewater.

Which of the following sets of gasas was present in the air sample?

a) SO2, CO2 and H2O
b) SO2, CO and H2O
c) CO, H2 and H2O
d) CO2, H2O and CO

someone please tell me and explain why.

thank you.
 
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Please read the sticky thread at the top of this subforum. We can not help you unless you first show your own effort.
 
does saying it's either a or d because CO2 is produced when the limewater turns chalky constitute as showing my own effort?
 
It's not asking what is produced, it is asking what is absorbed / reacted.
But you are correct by accident, CO2 + Ca(OH)2 gives you a precipatate of CaCO3

'anhydrous' CuSO4 gives you a clue about the water but since water is in all the answers that doesn't really help.
You just have to think what does a strong oxidiser like KmnO4 do?
 

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